Triclosan exposure, transformation, and human health effects

Abstract

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial used so ubiquitously that 75% of the U.S.A. population is likely exposed to this compound via consumer goods and personal care products. In September 2016, TCS was banned from soap products following the risk assessment by the U.S.A. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, TCS still remains, at high concentrations, in other personal care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, and surgical soaps. Triclosan is readily absorbed into human skin and oral mucosa and found in various human tissues and fluids. The aim of this review was to describe TCS exposure routes and levels as well as metabolism and transformation processes. The burgeoning literature on human health effects associated with TCS exposure, such as reproductive problems was also summarized.

Antimicrobial agent triclosan suppresses mast cell signaling via phospholipase D inhibition

“…TCS is readily absorbed when applied to human tissues. The resulting human tissue levels are comparable with exposure levels used in this current cell study (Weatherly & Gosse, 2017). Additionally, micromolar levels of TCS have been found in human body fluids in several studies (reviewed in Weatherly & Gosse, 2017).…”

“…However, TCS is still at high concentrations in other consumer products (e.g., toys, kitchenware, etc.). Additionally, micromolar levels of TCS have been found in human body fluids in several studies (reviewed in Weatherly & Gosse, 2017). The resulting human tissue levels are comparable with exposure levels used in this current cell study (Weatherly & Gosse, 2017).…”

Triclosan‐induced alteration of gut microbiome and aggravation of asthmatic airway response in aeroallergen‐sensitized mice

“…1,2 In addition, toxicological studies have shown that TCS exposure induces physiological perturbations in animals and in humans. 4,5 Recently, a risk assessment undertaken by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that TCS was present in the urine samples of 75% of the US general population, and, in 2016, the FDA banned its use in soap products. 3,5 Over the last 6 years, a number of studies have identified a positive correlation between the urinary TCS level and sensitization to food, aeroallergens, and perturbations in asthmatic patients.…”

“…4,5 Recently, a risk assessment undertaken by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that TCS was present in the urine samples of 75% of the US general population, and, in 2016, the FDA banned its use in soap products. 3,5 Over the last 6 years, a number of studies have identified a positive correlation between the urinary TCS level and sensitization to food, aeroallergens, and perturbations in asthmatic patients. 1,6,7 In addition, an experimental study has shown that the topical application of TCS enhances allergic response in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice, 8 suggesting that TCS might play an adjuvant role in the allergic response to environmental allergens.…”

Triclosan and triclocarban exposure, infectious disease symptoms and antibiotic prescription in infants—A community-based randomized intervention

“…Second, no exposure dose information was available. While TC is absorbed through the skin [32], triclosan-containing toothpaste is likely the main source of urinary triclosan in mothers; infants, however, are unlikely to be directly exposed and toothpaste use likely will not alter infection risk in children. The amount of exposure to triclosan in the household environment through wash products and dish soap use is not quantifiable.…”