Chennai, July 12 -- Highlights:
* Triclosan exposure is linked to increased risk of childhood eczema and hay fever
* Hormone disruption caused by triclosan may affect growth and //development
* Gut microbiome imbalance due to triclosan may weaken immune responses
High levels of the antimicrobial chemical triclosan in children are linked to a significantly greater likelihood of developing allergy-related conditions such as eczema and hay fever , with young boys being especially vulnerable ( ref1 ).
Children exposed to elevated levels of triclosan in their bodies were found to have more allergic symptoms, according to findings from a long-term analysis conducted by Brown University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Triclosan is a synthetic antimicrobial chemical once widely used in soaps, toothpaste, and personal care products to kill bacteria. It can disrupt the body's natural microbial balance and may interfere with hormone function. Due to health concerns, its use has been restricted or banned in several consumer products in recent years.
Long-Term Exposure and Allergy Risk
Published in Environmental Health Perspectives, the investigation tracked 347 mother-child pairs from pregnancy through the children's 12th year . As part of the Cincinnati-based Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment initiative, urine samples were collected up to ten times to assess exposure to triclosan during various life stages.
The results revealed that children with higher triclosan levels were more prone to conditions like eczema and hay fever -an allergic response that causes sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.
Boys More Affected Than Girls
A striking pattern emerged, showing that boys were more affected than girls, especially if their mothers had higher triclosan levels during pregnancy. Children with double the urinary triclosan levels were 23 percent more likely to report eczema symptoms, and this risk rose to nearly 40 percent between ages 8 and 12 . They were also 12 percent more likely to exhibit hay fever symptoms.
Joseph Braun, senior author and epidemiologist at Brown University, emphasized that early-life exposure to antimicrobial chemicals may play a significant role in the development of allergic diseases.
Disruption of Microbial and Hormonal Balance
Hannah Laue, lead author and assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, explained that triclosan's antibacterial properties, once considered beneficial, can interfere with the body's natural microbial communities . These microbes are essential for digestion and immune defense, and their disruption may leave individuals more susceptible to illness.
She also noted that triclosan may act as an endocrine disruptor . It can interfere with hormones by mimicking or blocking their normal functions, affecting growth and development . It has been linked to reduced thyroid hormone levels .
Regulatory Gaps and Ongoing Exposure Despite its ban in over-the-counter hand soaps by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2016, triclosan remains in some consumer products such as antimicrobial cutting boards, personal care items, and certain clothing . Many of these products do not clearly list the chemical on their labels, leaving consumers unaware of their exposure.
Braun and Laue's team continues to explore how such antimicrobial chemicals influence childhood development and overall health. Their work includes examining how triclosan impacts the gut microbiome and its role in shaping immune responses.
Call for Safer Alternatives and Stronger Policies
The authors hope these findings will lead to more informed choices by consumers and motivate manufacturers to adopt safer ingredients. Braun emphasized the need for improved regulation and labeling to better protect public health, while some companies have already started labeling products as " triclosan-free ."
In conclusion, triclosan, once widely used for its antimicrobial properties, is now raising concerns due to its association with increased an allergy risk in children. With its presence still lingering in various products, the findings urge both regulatory agencies and manufacturers to prioritize safer alternatives and stricter ingredient transparency.
Source-Medindia
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