Triclosan in Antibacterial Products Linked With Impaired Muscle Function

A recent study published by the Proceedings of National Academy of Science has found that exposure to the chemical triclosan is linked to muscle function impairments. Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent typically found in products such as soaps, deodorants, toothpaste, mouthwash, clothes, bedding, carpet, toys, and trash bags.

Researchers conducted their studies on mice and fish in response to increased production of triclosan, following up on recent articles that raised concerns about the chemical.

Results illustrated reduced muscular strength in mice and slowed swimming ability in fish. While conducting these experiments, scientists used amounts of the chemical on the mice and fish that are similar to a human’s everyday exposure.
Triclosan was also found to act like a cardiac depressant. Since the chemical could reduce contractions in cardiac and skeletal muscles, it has the potential to lead to both heart disease and heart failure.

“Triclosan is found in innumerable consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination,” states Michael Chapman, EMSL’s Chemistry Laboratory Manager. “EMSL Analytical analyzes for triclosan in liquid, solid, and drinking water samples, using the EPA 1694M method.”

For more information about EMSL’s testing services, please contact EMSL at 800-220-3675,  info@EMSL.com , or visit www.EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com