BY LACEY WEDDINGTON 2 HR APES TRICLOSAN

Name and Classification Triclosan is a chemical that is an ingredient added to many consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination.

What is it used for? Why was it developed? Trisclosan was created over 40 years ago as a surgical scrub for hospitals. Now it appears in soaps, detergents, skin cleansers, deodorants, toothpastes and dishwashing liquids.

How prevalent is it in our environment? How are humans exposed to it? It is so widespread that it has been detected in three-fourths of Americans over age 5, according to a survey from the centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Why are people concerned about our exposure to this chemical? Animal studies have shown that triclosan alters hormone regulation. It has been shown to disrupt reproductive hormone activity and brain cell signaling, hinder muscle function and bring on allergies. However, data showing effects in animals don’t always predict effects in humans.

What impact is the chemical having on wildlife? The multi million pound industry in hand sanitizers is fueling a rise in the use of personal care products, which end up filtering into lakes and rivers causing potential harm to the environment, wildlife and people.

What can we do to minimize exposure to the chemical? Avoid unnecessary use of antibacterial products. Studies indicate that households that use these products are no healthier than those that use soap and other typical cleansing products.

Article and Summary Title: Germ-fighting chemical could create harmful bacteria The germ fighting agent triclosan can change the kind of bacteria in our houses to be harmful. A new study in the Journal Nature reports that the chemical may cause some bacteria to mutate and create new strains that are resistant to antibacterial chemicals.

Sources journal.com/watchdogearth/2012/08/14/antibacteri al-agent-weakens-muscles-in-lab-animals/ journal.com/watchdogearth/2012/08/14/antibacteri al-agent-weakens-muscles-in-lab-animals/ Fears-lead-to-alternative-soaps php Fears-lead-to-alternative-soaps php tophthalates tophthalates scotsman/environment/hand-sanitizers-are- polluting-world-s-water-study-revels scotsman/environment/hand-sanitizers-are- polluting-world-s-water-study-revels