A new study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology reveals that triclosan, a chemical often included in household items like hand soaps, toothpaste, and cleaning products to fight off bacteria, was linked to antibiotic resistance. According to the study, triclosan was found to be the predominant antibacterial compound impacting E coli among thousands of co-occurring chemicals in the sludge.

Dr. Holly Barrett, a Ph.D. candidate and lead author of the study, noted that she and her team were surprised to find that the majority of the antibacterial activity of the sludge could be directly linked to triclosan alone. She added that these antibiotic-resistant bacteria are dangerous to humans, especially those with impaired immune systems. She further noted that seven million deaths around the world can be attributed to antibiotic resistance between 2014 and 2016.

Dr. Barrett stated that while there are a few regulations in place to restrict the maximum amount of triclosan allowed in consumer products, even very low levels of this chemical may cause antibiotic-resistant bacteria to form over time. Hence, she concluded that the results of the study emphasize the urgent need for regulatory agencies to re-evaluate the use of triclosan.

(Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/science-technology/study-links-antibiotic-resistance-to-triclosan-used-in-hand-soaps-toothpastes-446557 )