Solving the Mystery of Hand Sanitizer

Ever wondered makes hand sanitizer antibacterial?

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm205999.htm

Triclosan is a chemical compound most commonly used as an antibacterial agent; this means that is helps to prevent germs and harmful bacteria! (5) Triclosan is not only found in hand sanitizers but  is also  found in you personal care products, such as your soap, face washes and makeup. (3-4) It can also provide benefits to your health. This includes helping your toothpaste reduce and prevent plaque build up which is known as gingivitis. Triclosan is also found in certain prescription medication. (3-4)

  

DID YOU KNOW? Approximately 1,600 different cosmetics and personal care products and 150 health products that contain Triclosan in Canada. (4)

It is also used as a preservative in pesticides to prevent odors and the growth of bacteria, fungus, and mildew. (2)

FUN FACT! As of January 1, 2015, Triclosan is no longer being used as a pesticide in Canada. This means that items treated in Triclosan are not aloud into Canada until the pesticide has been registered with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency. (4)

HOW DOES IT WORK? Triclosan systematically kills bacteria by stopping fatty acid chain growth. This, in turn, stops the growth of the cell membrane and successfully kills the cell (2). What is a fatty acid you may be wondering? Fatty acids are simple molecules built around a series of carbon atoms linked together in a chain of 12 to 22 carbon atoms.

WHAT IS THE MAIN CONCERN? Triclosan can be very harmful to the environment. This is because over 95% of the uses of this chemical are in consumer products and are disposed of in residential drains. (6) Wastewater treatment plants are unable to remove Triclosan from the water, meaning large amounts of Triclosan are released into waterways and marine habitats. (6) Triclosan can have harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems and has been found to be extremely toxic to different types of algae. Because algae  plays a crucial role in ecosystems, this decline is having significant impacts. (1)

IS IT NECESSARY?  Hand sanitizers and other antibacterial products are great is that is all you have available to you! However, studies indicate there is no evidence that antibacterial soaps are any more effective at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water (3).  

References: 

1. Defence, E., Canadian Health Research Collection, & Canadian Public Policy ebooks. (2012). Trouble with triclosan: How a pervasive antibacterial chemical is polluting our world and our bodies Environmental Defense

2. Gratzl, G., Paulik, C. and Lackner, M. 2014. Antimicrobial Surfaces. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1–29.

3. The Government of Canada (2013). Triclosan: Questions and answers. Retrieved January 22, 2016, from http://www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca

4. The Government of Canada (2013). The safety of triclosan. Retrieved January 22, 2016, from http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/environment-environnement/home-maison/triclosan-eng.php

5.  U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2013). Triclosan: What Consumers Should Know. Retrieved January 22, 2016, from http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm205999.htm

6. Glaser, A. (2004). The ubiquitous triclosan. A common antibacterial agent exposed. Pesticides and You, 24, 12-17.

U.S    7. Environmental Protection Agency. (2016). Triclosan: Chemical Details. Retrieved January 22, 2016,    from https://ofmpub.epa.gov