Antibacterial Germ Fighter Triclosan: A Future Super Germ?

Daily, millions of us, wash our bodies, clean our living spaces and prepare our foods with products containing triclosan. These products are often labeled antibacterial or antimicrobial. Textiles, plastics and some building supplies also contain this chemical. This seemingly simple ingredient, used in so many products, has a growing list of concerns from scientists and regulatory agencies. Concerns about triclosan as a carcinogenic, endocrine disruptor and antibiotic resistance contributor are varied and common.

By itself Triclosan is a powdery substance added to soaps, household cleaners, sanitizers, disinfectants and even building supplies. Known by various names including Irgasan and Microban as well as the more common- Triclosan; it was first developed in the early 20th century. Within the EPA it is a registered pesticide-found on FIFRA. Its uses are as microbicide/microbistats, bacteriostats and as fungicides. Several environmental organizations list Triclosan as a high volume chemical (production/importation exceeds one million pounds annually)(1). It makes an appearance on a plethora of environmental and chemical "use with caution/prudence" lists. Scoring high as an environmental risk by the Environmental Defense Fund (1).

Triclosan works by affecting cell enzymes in much the same way as clinical antibiotics.This action & the resistance it causes concerns scientists

Triclosan is a broadspectrum antibacterial agent that works at targeting enzymes and encouraging mutations within cells. The targeted enzymes perform chemical catalysis across/through cell membranes. The effects of Triclosan on the cell is greater expression/leakage through the cell walls. Triclosan targets and promotes mutations within cells as part of its job. Enzymic activation or degradation are also observed actions of Triclosan. Mainly targeting cells with simple cell walls , it also targets certain intercellular parasitic fungal bacteria called mycobacteria. Mycobacteria are pathogenic organisms that include strains causing tuberculosis and leprosy. (1a)