What it is
A chlorinated aromatic compound used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial.
What it does
Kills bacteria in soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, and cutting boards.
Why it’s a concern
The US FDA banned triclosan in over-the-counter consumer antiseptic soaps in 2016 after industry failed to demonstrate that triclosan provided benefit over plain soap and water. Triclosan is documented to disrupt thyroid hormone signalling in animal models (Crofton et al. 2007, EHP) and contributes to bacterial antibiotic resistance. Persistent in waterways and detected in over 70% of US urine samples in CDC surveys.
Also known as
5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenolTCS
CAS numbers
3380-34-5
Commonly found in
antibacterial soap (pre-2016)toothpastedeodorantkitchenware
Safer alternatives
- plain soap and water
- alcohol-based hand sanitiser
Sources
- FDA Final Rule 2016
- Crofton et al. 2007, EHP