Triclosan
Bio-accumulative and Toxic
How do you say it?
trick-lo-san
What is it?
A man-made antibacterial chemical, Triclosan can be added to a wide range of products, including toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrushes, liquid and solid soaps, toys and chopping boards. Triclosan is even being incorporated into textiles like socks, underwear, sheets and children’s clothing such as school uniforms. There is potential for some of the chemical to be washed into the environment via the washing machine or dishwasher, and also to be absorbed through the skin of the wearer.
What’s the problem?
As with antibiotics, the overuse of biocides or antibacterial ingredients can lead to target organisms becoming resistant and so more difficult to eradicate when necessary. Triclosan builds up in the environment through the food chain (it has been found in fish) and there is concern that it helps to create antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It is toxic to aquatic life, especially algae. It is thought to break down into dioxin in river water.
What else is it called?
5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol
What are the alternatives?
Several retailers are already phasing out triclosan, Sweden no longer sells products that unnecessarily use triclosan and Norway is considering a complete ban. Be wary of clothing and bedding advertised as ‘antibacterial’. Good hygiene doesn’t need to involve chemical biocides – keeping clean is mostly about good habits.
For further information please contact WWF Scotland: phone 01350 728200, email info@watersense.org.uk, or write to WaterSense, c/o WWF Scotland, Little Dunkeld, Dunkeld, PH8 0AD