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Six Classes
We can reduce harmful chemicals
for a healthier world.
Periodic table of elements
Halogens
2
9
F
17
Cl
35
Br
Six classes
1. Highly fluorinated chemicals
water and oil repellants, surfactants…
2. Antimicrobials
triclosan, triclocarban…
3. Flame retardants
brominated, chlorinated, phosphate
4. Bisphenols and phthalates
plastic additives…
5. Organic solvents
benzene, methylene chloride...
6. Certain metals
lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, arsenic…
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Six Classes
2. Antimicrobials:
Triclosan and Triclocarban
Gary Ginsberg PhD
Connecticut Department
of Public Health,
Yale & U. Connecticut
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Main Concerns
Cl
• Toxic Properties
• Widespread Exposure
O
Cl
– common in personal
care products
• Vulnerable receptors
(young childen)
OH
Cl
Triclosan 0.3-0.5%
Cl
Cl
O
Cl
N
H
N
H
Triclocarban 0.6-1.5%
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Where they are used
• Disinfectant in hospitals
• Increasing use in consumer products
– Hand soaps, lotions, mouthwash,
detergent, shampoo
• Must be listed - regulated by
FDA as over-the-counter drugs
–
–
–
–
–
Deodorant/clothing – reduce odors
Toothpaste – reduce plaque & gum disease
Cosmetics
Kitchen supplies, furniture
Toys, school supplies, sports equipment
Rapid uptake during a short shower
90
Human pharmacokinetics
following dermal exposure from lather
250
70
200
60
50
150
40
100
30
TCC in whole blood (nM)
TCC in whole blood (ng/mL)
80
20
50
10
0
0
0
20
40
60
80
100
Time after dermal exposure (hr)
Schebb et al. ES&T 45: 3109-3115,2011
120
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Persistent Organochlorines
Triclocarban
Alternatives
(Simpler, No Chlorine)
Ethyl Alcohol
Triclosan
Isopropyl Alcohol
2,3,7,8-TCDD (dioxin)
Hydrogen Peroxide
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Endocrine Disruption
• Thyroid-blocking
– Alters metabolism &
transport of thyroid hormone
• Estrogen-enhancing
– Synergizes estrogen action
• Testosterone-blocking
– Decreases testosterone &
sperm production
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Increased Allergy in Children
• Triclosan associated with increased sensitivity
to common airway allergens in children
– e.g. mold, animal dander (Bertelsen et al. 2013)
• Two possible mechanisms
– Antibacterials remove “healthy” bacteria
– Triclosan stimulates allergic response
• mouse model of asthma
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Range of Human Exposure
What do the Exposure Levels Found in
Humans Mean?
100 µg/kg/d
Toxic effects on blood and g.i. tract
Anti-Thyroid effect
Estrogen enhancing effect in rats
10 µg/kg/d
Upstream biochemical effects
Increased allergy in children
1 µg/kg/d
No effects known in children so far
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Environmental Issues
• Exposures
– 10-20 million lbs/yr - 95% goes
down the drain
– Wastewater treatment plants
“degrade” only 60-80%
• Impacts
– Persistent in environment –
sediment/water
– Concerns
wastewater
treatment plant
• Endocrine disruption and toxicity
(Fish/Amphibians/Algae)
• Effect on biological wastewater
treatment processes
safely
• Possible increase in resistant bacteria degraded
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Do We Need Them?
• Do they provide a benefit?
• No proven benefit over hand washing
with soap and water
• Potential to breed resistant bacteria
• Food industry?
• Research: Ineffective in flooring and plastic
• In toothpaste?
• Oral disease prevention comes first
• Ask dentist if antibacterial product is needed
• NO EVIDENCE ANTIMICROBIALS CUT DOWN ON
INFECTIONS AROUND THE HOME
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Alternative to triclosan-embedded
cutting board: 2 cutting boards
vs
Mayo Clinic Statement
“There's no evidence that cutting boards
containing triclosan, an antibacterial agent,
prevent the spread of food-borne infections.
These boards also may give a false sense of
security and cause you to relax other efforts
to keep the board clean. In addition, triclosantreated boards don't kill germs.”
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Kaiser Permanente Pullback
•
•
•
•
Triclosan not used in its 37 hospitals since 2010
Precautionary approach to safety
Replaced by other disinfectants, soap/water
Kaiser action shows triclosan not needed, even in hospital
“If there is credible evidence that a product we're
using might have some disadvantages from a
health or environmental standpoint, then it's our
obligation to look for a safer alternative”
-Kathy Gerwig, Kaiser Permanente VP
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Policy Actions
• EU 2011
– Concern for effect of cumulative exposure
– Concern for use in food contact materials
• FDA 2012
– Not known to be hazardous to human health
– Under review for endocrine disruption & bacterial
resistance
• EPA 2013
– Major review initiated for endocrine disruption
• Manufacturer pullbacks announced 2013
2015 (triclosan, phalates, parabens,
formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane)
2014 (triclosan and phthalates)
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Take away points
• Is it Toxic: YES
– Endocrine disruption and immune effects at relevant doses
– May lead to more asthma and resistant bacteria
• Is it Necessary: Most uses – NO
– Other ways to control bacteria
• Are Regulators Concerned: YES – studying the matter
• Are Manufacturers Concerned: YES
– Certain producers/hospitals – pulling back
• How can Triclosan be avoided?
– Avoid products w/triclosan on the label
– Do not give children adult toothpaste
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Follow-up questions
• Are there anti-microbials in the products you
manufacture, sell, or use?
• What functions do they serve?
• How necessary are these functions?
• What alternatives have you investigated?
• Would you be interested in continuing this
discussion?
If so, contact:
Erika Houtz, [email protected]
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