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Review
. 2022 Sep 28;23(19):11427.
doi: 10.3390/ijms231911427.

Triclosan and Its Consequences on the Reproductive, Cardiovascular and Thyroid Levels

Ana C Marques  1   2 , Melissa Mariana  1   2 , Elisa Cairrao  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Triclosan and Its Consequences on the Reproductive, Cardiovascular and Thyroid Levels

Ana C Marques et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Hygiene is essential to avoid diseases, and this is thanks to daily cleaning and disinfection habits. Currently, there are numerous commercial products containing antimicrobial agents, and although they are efficient in disinfecting, it is still not known the effect of the constant use of these products on human health. In fact, a massive use of disinfectants has been observed due to COVID-19, but the possible adverse effects are not yet known. Triclosan is one of the antimicrobial agents used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, and disinfectants. This compound is an endocrine disruptor, which means it can interfere with hormonal function, with its estrogenic and androgenic activity having already been stated. Even if the use of triclosan is well-regulated, with the maximum allowed concentration in the European Union of 0.3% (m/m), its effects on human health are still uncertain. Studies in animals and humans suggest the possibility of harmful health outcomes, particularly for the reproductive system, and in a less extent for the cardiovascular and thyroid functions. Thus, the purpose of this review was to analyse the possible implications of the massive use of triclosan, mainly on the reproductive and cardiovascular systems and on the thyroid function, both in animals and humans.

Keywords: antimicrobial; cardiovascular system; endocrine disruptor; reproductive system; thyroid; triclosan.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Metabolism of triclosan and its metabolites.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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