Triclosan is a very common antibacterial compound, used in of antibacterial soaps and toothpaste, and it is found in humans (detected in about 75% of urine samples in the U.S. in 2008) and in the aquatic environment. In a recent study of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in some karst springs and cave streams in southwest Illinois, we detected triclosan in several samples. One of the concerns about its widespread use is that it may contribute to antibiotic resistance in the environment. However, a survey of recent studies reported in a recent issue of Science indicate some contradictory results [Yee, A.L., and J.A. Gilbert, 2016. Is triclosan harming your microbiome? Science  22 Jul 2016: Vol. 353, Issue 6297, pp. 348-349. DOI: 10.1126/science.aag2698].

Triclosan is a very common antibacterial compound, used in of antibacterial soaps and toothpaste, and it is found in humans (detected in about 75% of urine samples in the U.S. in 2008) and in the aquatic environment. In a recent study of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in some karst springs and cave streams in southwest Illinois, we detected triclosan in several samples. One of the concerns about its widespread use is that it may contribute to antibiotic resistance in the environment. However, a survey of recent studies reported in a recent issue of Science indicate some contradictory results.

Studies involving human subjects suggest little or no effects on our microbiomes. However, there have been reported disruption in microbiomes in studies that have been done in aquatic environments. The main difference may be that aquatic organisms are actually immersed in water containing triclosan, while humans have much shorter and more topical exposures. One unanswered question is whether prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal exposure to triclosan is detrimental.

(Photo from http://www.prwatch.org/news/2013/12/12349/fda-asks-companies-demonstrate-safety-and-effectiveness-antibacterial-soaps)