Do the soaps and toothpaste you use contain this substance? Let's find out exactly what it is (Triclosan)!

Have you ever heard the word `(Triclosan)`? You may not have even thought about what it is. But did you know, this chemical `(Triclosan)` was previously widely used in many things we use every day, especially in soaps and toothpastes that claim to kill germs . So, today we will talk about this `(Triclosan)` in a little more detail.

What is Triclosan? Why is it so popular?

Simply put, `(Triclosan)` is a chemical compound that can stop or kill bacteria. That is, it has bactericidal properties. In the past, `(Triclosan)` was added to a lot of `(OTC)` products that could be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription, such as antibacterial soaps, body washes, etc., because of this ability to kill bacteria. People thought that by washing their hands and bodies with these, all the germs would be killed and they would be protected from diseases. That is why these became so popular. Think about it, who doesn't like the word "protection from germs", right?

So, what happened to this supposedly good product (Triclosan)? Has there been a ban?

Yes, you're right. Over time, questions began to arise about this `(Triclosan)`. In particular, in 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration, or `(FDA - Food and Drug Administration), banned the sale of `(Triclosan)` in antiseptic wash products that consumers use and rinse off with water. This means that this ban affected about 40% of the soaps sold there. Now you may be thinking, "Why did they do that?". The `(FDA)` said that the manufacturers have not proven that these `(triclosan)`-containing soaps are actually safe or that they are better at killing germs than regular soap and water . In other words, research has shown that there is no significant difference in getting sick whether you wash your hands with soap or soap containing `(Triclosan).` Moreover, there is a belief that the continued use of such antiseptic soaps can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria , which can lead to other health problems over time. This is a bit of a serious matter, isn't it?

What other things contain Triclosan?

Let's see what else `(Triclosan)` can be found in. In fact, it can be found in more things than we think. More than 80% of `(Triclosan)` is used in personal care products, cosmetics, and household cleaning products. These can typically contain from 0.1% to 0.3% `(Triclosan)`. For example:

• Fluoride toothpaste ( some types)
• Mouthwashes
• Facial cleansers
• Aftershave
• Deodorants and body sprays
• Lotions and creams
• Cosmetics
• Detergents and dishwashing liquids

In addition to these, `(Triclosan)` is also found in pesticides and textiles. These are used to control the growth of bacteria. It can also be found in things like clothing, shoes, carpeting, furniture, toys, and kitchenware. However, these types of products are not regulated by the `(FDA). Just think, `(Triclosan)` was first used as a pesticide in the 1960s! It is now used in some equipment used in factories, for example, parts of large air conditioning systems `(HVAC)`, flooring, shower curtains, and mattresses.

Is there really any benefit to using Triclosan?

We have already said that, according to the FDA, hand soaps containing `(Triclosan)` are not any more beneficial than regular soap. However, some products have been found to have some benefits from `(Triclosan)`.

For example, a study conducted by the FDA found that Triclosan, a substance found in certain toothpastes, helps prevent gingivitis, a condition that causes gum disease .

However, the FDA has not found evidence that the presence of Triclosan in many other products provides any specific benefit to human health.

So, what are the possible side effects and risks of (Triclosan)?

This is something we need to pay special attention to. When you use products containing `(Triclosan)`, a small amount of it can be absorbed into your body. It can be absorbed into your body within one to four hours, either through your skin or through your mouth. In a study conducted by the `(CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)` in the United States, the `(Urine)` of 2,517 people over the age of 6 was tested. The surprising thing is that 75% of them had `(Triclosan)` in their urine! This shows how much we are exposed to this chemical. Most of this is because of the personal care products we use. However, the presence of this chemical in urine does not mean that `(Triclosan)` is bad. However, researchers are still not sure how this affects the human body in the long term. Some studies have shown that long-term use of antibacterial agents like Triclosan may do more harm than good , leading to a variety of health risks, from allergies to bacterial resistance.

Possible health problems associated with Triclosan:

• Allergies and skin problems: Some studies suggest that Triclosan can cause allergies to certain foods and skin irritation in some people.
• Endocrine Disruption: This is a bit of a concern. Triclosan is an endocrine-disrupting chemical. Simply put, it can interfere with the proper functioning of our body's hormones. Animal studies have shown that high exposure to Triclosan can reduce levels of some thyroid hormones .
• Special risk to women: This chemical can cross the placenta and be excreted in breast milk, so pregnant and nursing mothers should be especially careful.
• Cancer Risk : Research on the link between Triclosan and cancer has mixed results. Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to it increases the risk of some types of cancer . However, other studies have shown that Triclosan may have potential as a treatment for some cancers, such as prostate cancer. So more research is needed on this.
• Antibiotic Resistance: This is what researchers see as the biggest and most serious risk associated with Triclosan. Imagine what would happen if the antibiotics we take when we get sick stopped working? With repeated exposure to things like Triclosan, some bacteria can become resistant to these antibiotics. Then, infections caused by those bacteria can become untreatable. Researchers have estimated that if we don't find a solution to this problem of antibiotic resistance soon, one person could die every 3 seconds by 2050! That's 10 million a year! However, more research is needed to determine exactly how much Triclosan affects this.

So, what do we do? What are the ways to stay safe from (Triclosan)?

You're probably thinking, "Oh, so what do we do?" Don't worry. The most important thing is to be informed.

The simplest and best thing to do is to wash your hands thoroughly with plain soap and clean water. That's enough to protect yourself from germs.

• When soap and water are not available: In such cases, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It should contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Read product labels: Read the labels of personal care products and household cleaning products you buy at the store. Look for the ingredient list that includes `(Triclosan)` (perhaps under another brand name, such as `Microban`). If it does, try to avoid it if possible.

Take-Home Message

Okay, so let's recap the most important points from what we've talked about.

• Triclosan is a chemical that kills bacteria. It was, and probably still is, in many soaps, toothpastes, and cosmetics.
• When washing hands, soaps containing `(Triclosan)` have not been proven to be any better than regular soap and water.
• Long-term use of Triclosan poses a risk of hormone disruption, allergies, and especially antibiotic resistance . This is the biggest problem.
• Wash your hands as often as possible using plain soap and water .
• Read the labels of the products you buy to see if they contain `(Triclosan)`.
• It's important to be aware of this and make smart decisions. By not panicking and following simple hygiene practices, you can keep yourself and your family healthy.

So, I hope you have a good clear understanding about `(Triclosan)`. Knowing about such things is very important for our health.

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` Triclosan, soap, bacteria, hand washing, health risks, FDA, antibiotic resistance