Triclosan in the News
When chemicals such as Triclosan make the evening news, it usually means some group has been successful in gaining news coverage on what they perceive as a significant issue.
So when the CBC reported last week about some group’s desire to ban triclosan, the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), and others who have focused their efforts on banning this chemical, had to feel a sense of accomplishment in gaining the news coverage.
When the talk turns to banning chemicals, it also means that those who are using these chemicals have a significant stake in the outcome of the debate.
What is triclosan?
So what is Triclosan, and why is it listed by Environmental Defence Canada as one of their “Toxic Ten” chemicals?
Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent; it is also a preservative that is in over 1,600 personal care products. Triclosan has been used for decades in products such as antibacterial soaps, body washes, mouthwashes, toothpastes, clothing, and more. Because it is so widely used and is so effective, the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCTFA) is very concerned about talks of reducing or eliminating the chemical.
According to CELA and other activist groups, Triclosan is an endocrine disrupter and is showing up in the Great Lakes and other water bodies. It has also been detected in about 80% of US citizens (in urine tests). CELA and others believe Canada should ban Triclosan.
Detection, as we know, does not equate to harmful. For those of us in the scientific community, we always remember the Paracelsus maxim, “It’s the dose that makes the poison.” And, if we are in the regulated community, we need to know what the regulators’ positions are. According to Health Canada’s preliminary assessment (March 2012) “The review concludes that triclosan is not harmful to human health, but in significant amounts can cause harm to the environment.”
Additionally, according to Environment Canada, Triclosan is not persistent in air, water, soil, or sediment under aerobic conditions, but is routinely discharged into the environment.
There are currently no environmental reporting or environmental monitoring requirements related to Triclosan.
The future of triclosan and chemical reporting
So what does the future hold for use of Triclosan? Activist groups will likely stay focused on this as long as they can get the attention of the media and as long as they feel there is a legitimate issue. From a regulatory perspective, the final chapter regarding Triclosan may be written in the spring of 2015 when a final assessment report will be published in the Canada Gazette.
If you need assistance in assessing chemical use, chemical reporting, or monitoring, contact Christopher Paré, P. Geo (cpare@dragun.com) at 519-979-7300, ext. 114.
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