Is TRIKLOSAN in toothpaste carcinogenic?

Triclosan - an agent found in some toothpastes and cosmetics - can be harmful to your he alth. For several years now, experts have warned that triclosan may, among others, interfere with the work of the heart and cause hypothermia. Now scientists suspect that triclosan may even cause cancer. What is triclosan? In what products can it be found? What is the danger for he alth?

Triklosanis an antifungal and antibacterial agent that occurs, among others, inwsometoothpaste , mouthwashes, andcosmetics , incl. antibacterial soaps, deodorants, shower gels, creams, lipsticks, etc. The concentration of triclosan in cosmetics usually does not exceed 0.3%. (higher ones can be found in medicinal and disinfecting agents). This amount - taken in one go - is not hazardous to he alth. According to specialists, long-term use of this antibacterial agent has harmful he alth effects.

Is triclosan harmful to he alth?

Specialists have had doubts about the use of triclosan in toothpaste and cosmetics for some time. In 2010, scientists from the USA, who published the results of their research in the "Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry", suspected that agents containing triclosan could contribute to environmental poisoning with dioxins - organic chlorine compounds that - released due to combustion or strong solar radiation - can be poisonous. At the same time, they warned that women who are expecting a baby should especially be careful about triclosan, as it may cause disturbances in the activity of enzymes that play an important role in pregnancy. The composition of the cosmetics should also be carefully read by breastfeeding women, because this harmful substance can be passed on to the baby with milk.

Scientists also add that triclosan may cause, inter alia, disruption of the function of the heart muscle and hypothermia. In turn, Dr. Sandra Kweder from the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) argues that triclosan can also contribute to the inhibition of the proper production of thyroid hormones and, consequently, to lower their blood levels (this happened in the laboratory rats tested).

Equally important, triclosan may adversely affectthe microbial flora on the skin, in the mouth and even in the gut (if the compound enters the body through the ingestion). Then the natural protection of the body is weakened and at the same time the growth of bacteria resistant not only to this substance but also to other antibiotics occurs.

Important

Triklosan on the list of hazardous substances

Triclosan was included in the list of hazardous substances in the ordinance of the Minister of He alth of September 28, 2005. Tiklosan is included in the alphabetical index of substances (excluding complex carbohydrates and petroleum derivatives). Its index number: 604-070-00-9, EC number: 222-182-2, CAS number: 3380-34-5.

Check>>Regulation of the Minister of He alth on the list of hazardous substances with their classification and labeling.

Is triclosan carcinogenic?

Triclosan can cause cancer cells to grow. According to the researchers in "Environmental Science & Technology", triclosan, in contact with chlorinated tap water (e.g. during brushing), causes the formation of chloroform - a substance that is probably carcinogenic.

In turn, the tests of South Korean scientists from Chungbuk National University and Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology show that triclosan contributed to the growth of cancer cells in the breasts in the mice they studied. According to Kyung-Chul Choi - the leader of the research group - exposure to trclosan may significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer and adversely affect human he alth.

It is worth knowing that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified this substance as possibly carcinogenic to humans, and the European Union has banned the use of triclosan in products that come into contact with food. It is also considering introducing a similar ban for personal care products.

In turn, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration in the United States) further regulates the use of this substance, but only in soaps and other antibacterial cleaning products (not in toothpaste). According to specialists from this organization, by the end of 2014, manufacturers of antibacterial soaps are to provide reliable data on the safety and effectiveness of their products. If they fail to prove that the use of antimicrobial cleaning products is of benefit to users justifying the potential risk, their composition or labeling description will have to be changed in order for them to remain on the market.