Allergies linked to triclosan exposure in children

The antibacterial chemical triclosan has been implicated in allergy development in children. The Norwegian Environment and Childhood Asthma Study found an association between allergies and triclosan levels in children’s urine.

An American study, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES), found a similar association.

The Norwegian study found that triclosan levels measured in urine were associated with elevated levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and rhinitis in 10-year-old children.

Approximately 50% of the Norwegian children had detectable levels of triclosan, while 80% of the American children had measurable levels. According to researchers, the children had approximately the same amount of triclosan exposure.

The Norwegian researchers said triclosan can change the bacterial flora on the skin, in the mouth and in the intestines, which can cause an increased risk of developing allergies. Health authorities in Norway have been calling for a reduction in the use of antibacterial products to prevent the development of resistant bacteria.

A 2001 Norwegian study found that 85% of triclosan comes from cosmetics products, of which 75% were toothpaste. Following this study, triclosan has been removed from a variety of products.

While triclosan is used mostly in cosmetic products like toothpaste, deodorant and soap, it is also added to kitchen utensils, textiles and in coolroom construction for food production facilities. Little triclosan is absorbed through the skin; however, triclosan absorption is significant through the mucous membranes in the mouth.

The triclosan study was a collaboration between the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo University Hospital and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in the USA.