Can antibacterial soaps including Triclosan be used safely?

Öz

Objective: Recently, a great number of discussions can be seen especially in the press and on internet websites about the use of antibacterial soaps. The objective of this study is to determine the areas of usage of triclosan which is frequently used in antibacterial soaps and to find out its effects on health. Method: This study, which was planned as a review, examined scientific articles on the internet. Results: In addition to being used as a pesticide, triclosan is also used in personal care and cosmetics products such as soap, toothpaste, mouthwash and deodorant; in textile products such as duvet, curtain, sea and sports outwear; detergent, food packages, plastics and children’s toys. Recent studies have shown that long term and low concentration triclosan use plays a role in antibiotic resistance development in bacteria. It has been reported that in experimental animals which have been exposed to recurrent doses of triclosan continually, hormonal problems occurred, developmental anomalies and negative effects on reproductive system were seen. Although there are no definitive results about the carcinogenic effect of triclosan, studies are still continuing. It has been suggested by American Food and Drug Agency in 2013 to ban antibacterial soaps since they pose health risks such as resistance or hormonal effects. In 2016, American government banned antibacterial soaps both as a reaction to triclosan and to resolve public anxiety. Conclusion: It is not known yet what kind of health problems will arise in the future as a result of commonly used biocidal products. Thus, it is recommended to limit the use of products those the reliability have not been definitely proven for human health and the use of products which are still being investigated and to approach with caution even to biocidal products those the reliability limits have been defined.

 

 

 

 

Keywords: Triclosan, antibacterial soap, biocidal product, health risk

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Can antibacterial soaps including Triclosan be used safely?

Kaynakça

1. Özlem Terzi, Ahmet Tevfik Sünter, Maide Nur Kartal Public Health Department, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University; Samsun, Turkey