[Pharmwaste] Incautious approval by EPA of germ killer (triclosan)?

[DeBiasi,Deborah]

http://pubs.acs.org/action/showStoryContent?doi=10.1021%2Fon.2008.12.29.
214168

Online News - Incautious approval of germ killer?

EPA puts its stamp of approval on the popular bactericide triclosan,
which is widely considered by scientists to disrupt hormones.

Janet Pelley

Publication Date (Web): December 31, 2008

A popular fear of germs has led to an explosion in the number of
products containing triclosan [5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol],
a bactericide. Despite a growing body of research suggesting that
triclosan is an endocrine-disrupting contaminant, a new U.S. EPA
assessment of the chemical finds little cause for concern.

Scientists have found that the germ killer triclosan perturbs thyroid
function, causing bullfrogs to mature too quickly.EPA released its
reregistration eligibility decision for triclosan on October 29,
concluding that all uses of the bactericide may be renewed, except for
use in paint, which was voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer.
Triclosan is added to a surprising array of products, such as computer
keyboards, toys, clothing, toothpaste, mattresses, and cutting boards.

Because triclosan is used in large amounts, is fat-loving, and
bioaccumulates, scientists are sharpening their scrutiny of the
chemical. "There is clear evidence that triclosan is getting into the
environment, and into wildlife and human plasma and tissue," says Cathy
Propper, an endocrinologist at Northern Arizona University. An
increasing number of studies suggest that triclosan affects androgen and
thyroid hormone function in vertebrates. It also changes nitrogen
fixation and growth patterns in microbial communities and plants, she
says.

"Many of triclosan's endocrine effects, which are well documented in
aquatic animals, take place at concentrations many times lower than
levels that are currently found in some natural water bodies, including
water that could end up in drinking-water supplies," says Heather
Hamlin, a reproductive endocrinologist at the University of Florida.
Dysfunction in the thyroid system is particularly worrisome given that
the thyroid hormone controls metabolism and affects nearly every cell in
the body, she adds.

"Given the mounting scientific evidence that triclosan has the potential
to harm endocrine function in animals, there should be concern that
similar results could be occurring in human populations as well," Hamlin
says.

EPA is to be commended for accelerating the next round of the
registration review process for triclosan to 2013, but the expedited
timetable hints there is significant concern about the product that may
not be reflected in this round's final decision, Propper says.

Wildlife and lab animals are often sentinels of impending dangers to
human populations, notes Hamlin. "And I think there is enough evidence
[in this case] that the precautionary principle should be implemented."


Deborah L. DeBiasi
Email:   dldebiasi at deq.virginia.gov
WEB site address:  www.deq.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Water Permit Programs
Industrial Pretreatment/Toxics Management Program
PPCPs, EDCs, and Microconstituents
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