Q. “Triclosan” considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?

  • Food preservatives
  • Fruit ripening substances
  • reused plastic containers
  • Toiletries

Answer: (d) Toiletries

​Triclosan
  • It is an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent that slows or stops the growth of germs such as bacteria and mildew.
  • It is an ingredient added to many consumer products intended to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination.
  • It is added to some antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpaste, and some cosmetics. Therefore, Triclosan is most likely present in toiletries.
  • Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is frequently used in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. When one uses a product containing triclosan, one can absorb a small amount through one’s skin or mouth. 
  • Triclosan added to toothpaste has been shown to help prevent gingivitis. Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling (inflammation) of the gingiva, the part of the gum around the base of teeth.
  • Some short-term animal studies have shown that exposure to high doses of triclosan is associated with a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones, thus making triclosan an endocrine disruptor.
  • Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife.
  • Some other studies have raised the possibility that exposure to triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
  • Laboratory studies have demonstrated that triclosan may have the potential to adversely affect bone mineral density in cell lines or animals.
  • Also, there is still no evidence that triclosan in consumer antibacterial soaps and body washes provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.
Superbugs
  • Superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that are resistant to most of the antibiotics and other medications commonly used to treat the infections they cause.
  • A few examples of superbugs include resistant bacteria that can cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections and skin infections.
  • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses, and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial drug (such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against it. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others.
  • Drug resistance (antimicrobial resistance) is a naturally occurring phenomenon that can be slowed, but not stopped. Over time, germs such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi adapt to the drugs that are designed to kill them and change to ensure their survival. This makes previously standard treatments for some infections less effective, and sometimes ineffective. Researchers continue to evaluate how these germs develop resistance. They also study how to diagnose, treat and prevent antimicrobial resistance.
  • A superbug can infect anyone, but some people may have a higher risk for infection because they’ve been exposed to superbugs in a medical facility or have a weakened immune system because of a chronic illness.
  • Certain actions may step up the appearance and spread of antimicrobial-resistant germs, such as:
    • Using or misusing antibiotics
    • Having poor infection prevention and control practices
    • Living or working in unclean conditions
    • Mishandling food