Triclosan
Name : Triclosan
Chemical name :
5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol
5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol
Structure : C12H7Cl3O2
Chemical properties
| Appearance | White Powdered Solid |
| Boiling Point | 120 °C |
| CAS Number | 3380-34-5 |
| Density | 1.49 g/cm3 |
| EINECS Number | 222-182-2 |
| Melting Point | 55-57 °C |
| Molar Mass | 289.54 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C12H7Cl3O2 |
| Solubility | soluble in organic compounds |
Applications of Triclosan
• Triclosan is effective against many different bacteria as well as some fungi and protozoa. It is widely used as an antiseptic, preservative and disinfectant in healthcare and personal care products.
• It is used as a biocide in many other personal care products such as deodorants, soaps and shower gels.
• Triclosan is used in toothpastes and other dental products to control plaque and improve the health of the gums.
• Many of the handwashes in hospitals and the detergents that medical personnel use to scrub up before surgery contain triclosan.
• Triclosan has been added to the surface of cutting boards, food storage containers and other kitchen utensils to stop microorganisms growing on them. However, since March 2010, triclosan cannot be used in the EU in food contact materials or as an additive in plastics that come into contact with food.
• Triclosan is used in biocidal products for veterinary hygiene but it is banned as a preservative in animal food.
• It is used as a biocide in many other personal care products such as deodorants, soaps and shower gels.
• Triclosan is used in toothpastes and other dental products to control plaque and improve the health of the gums.
• Many of the handwashes in hospitals and the detergents that medical personnel use to scrub up before surgery contain triclosan.
• Triclosan has been added to the surface of cutting boards, food storage containers and other kitchen utensils to stop microorganisms growing on them. However, since March 2010, triclosan cannot be used in the EU in food contact materials or as an additive in plastics that come into contact with food.
• Triclosan is used in biocidal products for veterinary hygiene but it is banned as a preservative in animal food.
TOXICITY of Triclosan
Triclosan tends to bioaccumulate, or become more concentrated in the fatty tissues of humans and other animals. As a result, this chemical has been detected in human breast milk, and in blood samples as well. Higher levels of triclosan in blood and breast milk are linked to use of body care products containing triclosan. Lab studies link triclosan to cancer, developmental defects, liver and inhalation toxicity.
SAFETY TIPS FOR HANDLING
Read the label before using cosmetics and personal care products. Cosmetics and personal care products that contain triclosan must say so on the label. If you want to avoid triclosan, check the list of ingredients. Always read and follow product instructions. For example, directions for mouthwashes that contain triclosan say to avoid swallowing the product. If you handle products containing triclosan in the workplace, talk to your health and safety representative about safe handling practices. Practice proper hand washing techniques using soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are useful when soap and water are not available.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
Over 95 per cent of the uses of triclosan are in consumer products that are disposed of in residential drains. As a result, widespread use of triclosan and other antibacterial compounds result in contamination of the nation’s waterways, with triclosan being the most prevalent contaminant not removed by typical wastewater treatment plants. In fact, triclosan has been detected in wastewater, activated sludge, surface water, and sediments. Triclosan has been found to be highly toxic to different types of algae, keystone organisms for complex aquatic ecosystems, and has been detected at high concentration in earthworms. Triclosan is lipophilic and as a result is readily available for absorption and bioaccumulation in fatty tissues, especially by aquatic organisms.
world of chemicals 