Triclosan

May 04, 2010
Image of Triclosan 3D Image of Triclosan

Triclosan [5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol] is an antibacterial and antifungal agent that has been used since the early 1970s. It was first described by E. Model and J. Bindler in 1964. It is used in consumer products ranging from toothpaste to deodorants to toys. The safety and effectiveness of triclosan recently have come under scrutiny, and the US Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration have initiated efforts to reexamine its health risks.

MOTW update: November 6, 2017

Triclosan is a controversial antimicrobial agent that is contained in many consumer products. That year, the US Federal Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency began to examine its health risks. Since then, FDA ordered it removed from soaps and body washes by September of this year. 

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