The Dangers of Triclosan in Antibacterial Products • Hello Sehat
When choosing personal hygiene products such as body wash, hand soap, or soap hand sanitizer, You may be tempted to buy products that promise antibacterials. These products generally list triclosan as an antibacterial ingredient that is effective against germs and disease-causing bacteria. However, be careful because research shows the triclosan content in antibacterial products poses a risk to your health and your family. To find out more about how triclosan can impact the body, read on below.
What is triclosan?
Triclosan is an active chemical commonly found in personal care and hygiene products. Initially triclosan was used as a pesticide or pest killer in the 1960s. However, currently the triclosan content in this soap or hand wash is being studied further to determine its harm to humans.
Several countries in Europe have banned the use of triclosan in soap, hand washing, or hand sanitizer which are sold freely on the market. The United States also recently issued a ban on the use of triclosan in various products. In Indonesia, there are no clear rules regarding the use of this active substance, so you can still find various products with triclosan.
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The dangers of triclosan for the body
It is feared that exposure to triclosan in the long term will cause certain risks that are harmful to humans. The reason is, even though it is used on the surface of the skin, triclosan is able to be absorbed by the body. A study in the United States in 2008 revealed that the content of triclosan could be found in the urine (urine) of 75% of the people studied. The triclosan content in the body is at risk of causing the following disorders.
1. Dry and sensitive skin
Triclosan is a fairly harsh chemical. However, the impact will not be felt immediately on your skin. Regular use of soap containing triclosan for three to five years risks making your skin dry and more sensitive. In fact, a study revealed that overuse of antibacterial products with triclosan contained a risk of causing skin cancer in animals. These trials have never been carried out on humans, but this can be a yellow light for you to be more aware of the dangers of triclosan.
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2. Hormonal disorders
The most frequently discussed topic of discussion is the risk of hormonal disorders. A study published in the journal Toxicological Science revealed that in the body, triclosan will be trapped in cells and blood. As a result, the triclosan content will disrupt the endocrine system. This system is responsible for maintaining hormonal balance in the body.
Several types of hormones that are disrupted due to the presence of triclosan in the body include thyroid hormone and estrogen. Interference with these two hormones has the risk of causing various problems to your health, for example in immune system, fertility, pregnancy, and even the growth of cancer cells. So far, the research carried out has only been conducted on animal subjects, not humans. However, you should still be careful of these possibilities.
3. Interfere with muscle function
A study conducted by experts at the University of California Davis shows that the content of triclosan can damage muscle function, especially those attached to the body’s skeleton. Again this research has only been done on animals, but the results can still make anyone shudder.
The reason is, triclosan has the risk of reducing heart muscle function by up to 25%. The strength of the hand and leg muscles to grasp something also decreased by 18%. Fish that live in waters that have been contaminated with triclosan have shown a more concerning ability to swim.
Is triclosan important in soap?
What you may not know is that triclosan has not been scientifically proven to be effective against germs and bacteria. Triclosan cannot distinguish between germs and bacteria that can cause infection and disease from good bacteria. When paired with soap or other hygiene products that do not contain artificial antibacterial agents or substances, triclosan is no more effective in killing germs and bacteria. So, actually you and your family don’t need products that contain triclosan. Regular soap is enough to protect against various dirt, germs, and bacteria.
Avoid products with triclosan
If you want to avoid the health risks listed above, you should look for products that are free of triclosan. Usually soap, hand wash, cosmetic cleanser, and hand sanitizer whose packaging contains antibacterial or antiseptic information means using triclosan. We recommend that you choose products that contain the least chemical substances. To hand sanitizer, You can buy one with an alcohol content of about 60%.
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Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
