On the Need and Speed of Regulating Triclosan and Triclocarban in the United States
Open Access
- 3 March 2014
- journal article
- editorial
- Published by American Chemical Society (ACS) in Environmental Science & Technology
- Vol. 48 (7), 3603-3611
- https://doi.org/10.1021/es500495p
Abstract
The polychlorinated aromatic antimicrobials triclosan and triclocarban are in widespread use for killing microorganisms indiscriminately, rapidly, and by nonspecific action. While their utility in healthcare settings is undisputed, benefits to users of antimicrobial personal care products are few to none. Yet, these latter, high-volume uses have caused widespread contamination of the environment, wildlife, and human populations. This feature article presents a timeline of scientific evidence and regulatory actions in the U.S. concerning persistent polychlorinated biocides, showing a potential path forward to judicious and sustainable uses of synthetic antimicrobials, including the design of greener and safer next-generation alternatives.Keywords
Funding Information
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (1R01ES015445)
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (1R01ES020889)
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