Common antibacterial agent proving to be more dangerous and pervasive than previously thought
Triclosan pollutes Minnesota lakes, U of M study finds
by Elizabeth Dunbar, Minnesota Public Radio
January 22, 2013
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Increasing amounts of triclosan, a common antibacterial agent used in soaps and other products, has been detected in Minnesota lakes, according to the results of a new University of Minnesota study.
The researchers studied sediment in eight Minnesota lakes of varying size: Lake Pepin, Lake St. Croix, Lake Winona, East Lake Gemini, Lake Shagawa, Duluth Harbor, Lake Superior and Little Wilson Lake. Some of the sediment dated back more than 100 years.
When the researchers analyzed the chemicals in that sediment, they discovered increased concentrations of triclosan and its byproducts since the chemical was patented in 1964 and entered the market in the 1970s. Triclosan is added to everything from cosmetics to toothpaste to dishwashing soap.
The study was published Tuesday in the journal, Environmental Science and Technology.
The concentrations of triclosan varied among the lakes. Larger lakes with many wastewater sources had increased concentrations of the chemical and its byproducts since triclosan entered the market. Factors in the triclosan concentration in smaller lakes with a single wastewater source included the extent of triclosan use and changes in water treatment practices. For example, one lake showed decreased concentrations of a triclosan byproduct when UV disinfection technology replaced chlorine at the local wastewater treatment plant.
(More here.)
Other relevant articles:
by Elizabeth Dunbar, Minnesota Public Radio
January 22, 2013
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Increasing amounts of triclosan, a common antibacterial agent used in soaps and other products, has been detected in Minnesota lakes, according to the results of a new University of Minnesota study.
The researchers studied sediment in eight Minnesota lakes of varying size: Lake Pepin, Lake St. Croix, Lake Winona, East Lake Gemini, Lake Shagawa, Duluth Harbor, Lake Superior and Little Wilson Lake. Some of the sediment dated back more than 100 years.
When the researchers analyzed the chemicals in that sediment, they discovered increased concentrations of triclosan and its byproducts since the chemical was patented in 1964 and entered the market in the 1970s. Triclosan is added to everything from cosmetics to toothpaste to dishwashing soap.
The study was published Tuesday in the journal, Environmental Science and Technology.
The concentrations of triclosan varied among the lakes. Larger lakes with many wastewater sources had increased concentrations of the chemical and its byproducts since triclosan entered the market. Factors in the triclosan concentration in smaller lakes with a single wastewater source included the extent of triclosan use and changes in water treatment practices. For example, one lake showed decreased concentrations of a triclosan byproduct when UV disinfection technology replaced chlorine at the local wastewater treatment plant.
(More here.)
Other relevant articles:
- "Triclosan fears lead to alternative soaps", SF Gate
- "Chemical widely used in antibacterial hand soaps may impair muscle function", UC Davis
- "Is triclosan dangerous? Yes, study finds -- in mice, fish", Los Angeles Times
- "Eat Like a Mennonite", New York Times
- "Products That Contain Triclosan", Dr. Ben Kim
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