Fate and Effects of Triclosan

Preface

The extended use of bactericidal substances in ordinary consumers products like cleaning products, products for personal hygiene and textiles has caused concern regarding the risk of developing resistance resulting in reduced efficiency of disinfectants.

In ordinary households, the amendment of e.g. cleaning products with bactericidal substances like Triclosan is not necessary. Investigations have shown that there is no reason to believe that bactericidal cleaning products or cosmetics are more efficient than the usual products. However, the use of disinfectants is necessary in places where bacteria must not be present, e.g. swimming pools. For such purposes, it is important that the efficiency of the products is not reduced due to resistance in the target bacteria.

Bactericidal substances may also be slowly degradable in wastewater treatment plants and in the environment where, in addition, they may cause adverse effects as these substances were developed to be toxic to living organisms (bacteria). Furthermore, potential discharge of sewage containing bactericides with long retention times in the environment may enhance the risk of developing resistance.

On this background – and further supported by a public debate in Denmark –the Danish EPA requested a review of the fate and environmental effects of Triclosan.

For the project management, a small group was established, consisting of:

Annette Orloff (Danish EPA)
Nanna Seidelin (Danish EPA) (2001)
Lærke Ambo Nielsen (Danish EPA) (2002-2003)
Lise Samsøe-Petersen (DHI Water & Environment)

The project was initiated in 2001 by a first phase for the description of the fate of Triclosan in wastewater treatment plants. Subsequent phases –initiated in 2002 and 2003 – are finalised by this report, in which the results of all phases are presented.

Hørsholm, 3 September 2003
Lise Samsøe-Petersen, DHI Water & Environment