Biocide in Household Products Poses Danger to Health, Environment, and Could Breed ‘Superbugs’
By Rob Edwards, Environment Editor
A toxic chemical prevalent in household cleaning products is being banned by supermarkets because of fears that it could endanger human health and wildlife.
Triclosan, a biocide designed to kill bacteria, is widely used in toothpaste, detergents, and plastic kitchen equipment such as bowls and chopping boards. It has been heavily promoted as a way of eradicating germs.
But in recent years, evidence has mounted that it is contaminating people and the environment, and could result in a new breed of deadly “superbugs” – bacteria capable of resisting antibiotics. The environmental regulatory agencies in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark have all voiced concern about the chemical.
Supermarkets Taking Action
Now major retailers in Britain have decided to get rid of it. Marks & Spencer, Asda, B&Q, and Sainsbury’s all told the Scottish Sunday that they are hoping to phase out triclosan from their products.
The alarm was first raised three years ago after five Swedish government watchdogs called for a ban on the “unnecessary use” of triclosan. The chemical had been detected in sewage, fish, and mothers’ breast milk, and retailers in Sweden cleared their shelves of it.
Their stance was backed by leading British experts, including Professor Peter Gilbert, a microbiologist from the University of Manchester. The fashion for antibacterial agents was “marketing hype”, which played to people’s prejudices, he said.
There was a legitimate worry that the widespread use of triclosan could help bacteria adapt and become resistant to antibiotics, making prescribed drugs incapable of combating bacterial infections. Its presence in breast milk and the environment was also potentially dangerous, Swedish experts warned.
But in 2000, when the Scottish Sunday first reported the fears about triclosan, supermarkets were convinced there was no problem. Sainsbury’s, which markets a range of kitchen products containing triclosan under the Microban brand, was adamant that it was safe.
Now, however, the retailer has taken a distinctly different view. “As part of our continuing product enhancement programme, we are actively considering effective alternatives as they become available,” said a spokeswoman for Sainsbury’s. “Triclosan is always clearly labeled when used.”
Its strategy on chemicals was “constantly evolving”, she added. “We are committed to complying with European Union legislation which will come into force in 2020 that limits the number of chemicals that are permitted. Where feasible, we aim to phase these chemicals out in our own brand non-foods by 2005.”
Hilary Thompson, the social responsibility manager of the DIY chain B&Q, said triclosan was present in a toilet seat and two types of sink currently on sale. But she added: “We would like to phase it out and are investigating alternatives. As part of our DIY detox programme, we would like it excluded by 2005.”
Asda said that its customers had expressed concerns about triclosan and so the company had raised the issue with the British Retail Consortium. “We are looking at whether we can phase it out,” said a company spokeswoman.
The toughest stance, however, has been taken by Marks & Spencer, which has promised to eliminate the chemical from its products within six months. “We have identified triclosan as a chemical that the business does not want to use,” declared a spokeswoman for the retail giant. “We have already phased it out of some products like washing-up liquid. We will have totally phased out its use within the next six months.”
Environmentalists have welcomed the supermarkets’ action as long overdue. “Triclosan is an unnecessary addition to most products, and all retailers should be phasing out such items as quickly as possible,” said Duncan McLaren, chief executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland.
“While other countries have taken a precautionary approach and advised against the unnecessary use of biocides in household products, the UK has again lagged behind. Until the UK catches up with these countries, consumers should shop with care,” he added.
Triclosan and Hotels: The Hidden Dangers
The use of triclosan in household products goes beyond the kitchen and bathroom. It can also be found in hotels, posing potential risks to both guests and the environment.
Hotels commonly provide guests with toiletries such as toothpaste, soaps, and shower gels. These products, particularly if they claim to be antibacterial or germ-killing, may contain triclosan. Exposing guests to triclosan unknowingly can have health implications, especially for those with sensitivities or allergies.
Besides the direct risks to guests, triclosan can harm the environment when it enters water systems. Hotels, with their high occupancy rates and substantial water usage, contribute to the release of triclosan into the environment. This can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Given the growing concern regarding triclosan, it is essential for hotels to review the products they provide to guests and consider alternatives that are safe for both human health and the environment. By doing so, hotels can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and the well-being of their guests.
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