The Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can be extremely dangerous, and yet a common chemical found in everyday personal care products like soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and mouthwash may actually be helping this deadly pathogen multiply in your nasal passages. Research carried out at the University of Michigan has shown that individuals who use products containing an antibacterial chemical called triclosan often end up with this industrial chemical in their noses. Worse still, once triclosan is in your nasal passages, it promotes the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, which could lead to severe infections.
The Rise of Triclosan
Triclosan’s use in consumer products started around 40 years ago, but, over the past 10 years, it has spread and can now be found in an increasingly wide range of products. This means that the chemical now shows up in our blood, urine, and nasal passages, as well as in breast milk. Despite its growing prevalence, there is no evidence that washing with soap containing triclosan provides any health benefits. Researcher Blaise Boles explains, “It’s really common in hand soaps, toothpastes, and mouthwashes, but there’s no evidence it does a better job than regular soap.” In fact, this chemical agent could be doing more harm than good, promoting S. aureus nasal colonization and putting people at increased risk of infection.
Antibacterial Products and Superbugs
Triclosan is just one of many antibacterial chemicals often used in personal care products, and, like the others, its potential dangers have been underestimated. One primary concern with triclosan and similar substances is that their widespread use will contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, often called “superbugs.” Superbugs have developed through the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. By exposing the bacteria to these substances, those that are able to survive are able to mutate and develop resistance. Eventually, this means the bacteria can no longer be treated with commonly available antibiotics, leading to the increase in antibiotic-resistant infections.
Rather than containing bacteria and reducing the spread of infections, it seems that antibacterial soaps and other “improved” sanitation products are actually just contributing to the problem. The World Health Organization warns that this trend of antibiotic-resistant bacteria constitutes one of the “greatest threats to global health.”
The Health Effects of Triclosan
Aside from contributing to superbugs, triclosan has also been linked to numerous negative health effects. Some of the most notable ways this chemical can impact your health are as follows:
- Hormonal Changes: In animal studies, triclosan exposure disrupted hormonal regulation in several ways, including alterations in thyroid hormone production and metabolism.
- Increased Allergy Risk: Research has indicated that triclosan exposure in childhood, when immune systems are still developing, could increase the risk of developing allergies, asthma, and eczema.
- Weakened Immune System: Triclosan exposure has been shown to impair immune function, resulting in a weakened immune system that may be less capable of fighting off infections.
-
Environmental Impact: Triclosan is a persistent chemical, meaning it stays in the environment for a long time. As a result, it has been detected at high levels in water, soil, and aquatic life, which could impact ecosystems and contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.
The FDA’s Stance on Triclosan
In September 2016, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ban on the use of triclosan and 18 other antibacterial chemicals in over-the-counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic wash products, such as hand soaps and body washes. Although this ban does not fully eliminate triclosan from the market, it does serve as an acknowledgment of the concerns about the chemical’s safety. In a statement, the FDA explained that manufacturers had not demonstrated that triclosan was “generally recognized as safe and effective for the specified uses.”
Avoiding Triclosan and Protecting Your Health
Due to the potential health risks associated with triclosan, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself and your family from exposure. Here are some simple tips to help you avoid products that contain triclosan:
- Read the Labels: Check the labels on your personal care products (especially hand soap, body wash, toothpaste, and mouthwash) for triclosan. It may also be listed under the names “Microban,” “Irgasan,” and “Biofresh.”
-
Choose Alternatives: Opt for mild soaps without antimicrobial ingredients. If you need to sanitize your hands, consider using natural hand sanitizers that rely on alcohol or other triclosan-free ingredients.
-
Be Wary of “Antibacterial” Products: Remember that “antibacterial” does not mean “better” when it comes to personal care products, as it often just means that chemicals like triclosan have been added. Regular soap and water are effective and safer options in most cases.
-
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the dangers of triclosan and other harmful chemicals in personal care products. Keeping up-to-date on the latest research will help you make better choices and protect your health.
Eliminating triclosan from your personal care routine will not only help protect your health but also contribute to the battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So, give your bathroom cabinet an overhaul, and opt for safer, triclosan-free personal care products.
