Triclosan in toothpaste--the possible dangers

There have been numerous studies explaining the possible dangers of triclosan, an ingredient found in many products including toothpaste.

The FDA has published a report and update about the ingredient in attempts to clear the air and state the facts about what we do know about triclosan. Triclosan is an ingredient used to prevent or reduce bacterial contamination and is found is many products such as antibacterial soaps, body washes, cosmetics and toothpaste. The FDA states that:

• Triclosan is not know to be hazardous to humans
• They do not have sufficient evidence to recommend changing consumer use of products that contain triclosan at this time
• They are reviewing all of the available evidence on this ingredient's safety in consumer product

Despite this report, the study findings that prove that triclosan may be hazardous are too many to ignore. A study done at the University of California Davis showed that triclosan impairs muscle function and skeletal muscle contractility. The mice that were exposed to one dose of triclosan had a 25% decrease in heart muscle function and a 18% decrease in grip strength. 

Triclosan may also alter hormone regulation and in a Toxicological Sciences study, triclosan was found to affect estrogen-mediated responses. Past research has shown that exposure to triclosan may disrupt thyroid hormone-associated gene expression as well as decrease circulating concentrations of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4).

Information taken from:

http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm205999.htm

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/08/29/triclosan-in-personal-care-products.aspx