The Dangers of Triclosan

In Chapter 6 of "Death by Rubber Duck," author Rick Smith delves into the risks associated with Triclosan, a chemical found in numerous household items.

Triclosan serves as an active component in a wide array of antibacterial products. Initially restricted to hospital use, it has now infiltrated various aspects of daily life, appearing in items such as liquid hand soap, toothpaste, undergarments, towels, mattresses, shower curtains, flooring, cutting boards, and children's toys. Surprisingly, some items, like pizza cutter handles, include Triclosan without any justification for its presence.

The repercussions of Triclosan can be summarized in three main points: 1) many products perform no better than those that don’t contain this chemical; 2) it is associated with health risks for both humans and the environment; and 3) its usage contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant "superbugs."

Research indicates that antibacterial soap does not significantly lower bacteria levels compared to regular soap, and individuals using antibacterial products do not show a reduced risk for infectious diseases. The overuse of Triclosan is unwarranted, and in some cases, the concentrations used are so low that they fail to eliminate germs effectively. This chemical accumulates in both animal and human fat tissues, and traces of it have been found in umbilical cord blood and breast milk. Alarmingly, around 95% of Triclosan from consumer products is washed down the drain, polluting American waterways due to discharge from treatment facilities.

Fear of various microbes, such as West Nile virus, Bird flu, Listeria, SARS, and Flesh-eating disease, drives consumers toward antibacterial products. Over the last decade, infectious diseases have escalated from the fifth leading cause of death to the third.

Rick consults Dr. Chuck Gerba, who advocates for a "reinvention of hygiene," highlighting that our aging population is increasingly vulnerable to serious health threats, compounded by a lifestyle that exposes us to more germs than our ancestors faced. This fixation on cleanliness has resulted in a rise in germ phobia among the public.

Historically, during the Dark Ages, doctors mistakenly believed that bathing contributed to the spread of the Plague, leading people to avoid baths unless absolutely necessary. It wasn't until the miasma theory emerged, suggesting that diseases stemmed from toxic air, that the importance of good ventilation and cleanliness gained attention. Soap only became widely accessible in the 1800s, when it became affordable for the middle class. Companies like Listerine exploited societal fears of bad breath through intimidating advertising campaigns. The cultural emphasis on cleanliness has fluctuated throughout history, influenced by varying societal norms.

Rick undertook a personal experiment using several products containing Triclosan or antibacterial agents over a two-day period. Initially, his Triclosan level measured at 2.47 ng/ml, but after exposure, it skyrocketed to 7,180 ng/ml.

As evidence mounts linking human illnesses to chemical pollution, those genetically equipped to defend against these chemicals tend to fare better. Consequently, the concept of survival has shifted from "Survival of the Fittest" to "Survival of the Chemically Immune."

Companies will persist in utilizing fear-based marketing tactics to sell their products, often neglecting to inform consumers about potential dangers. Rick asserts that he is not opposed to chemicals per se; rather, he believes that Triclosan is simply unnecessary.