What is Triclosan?

[Guest guest]

" Triclosan is a chlorophenol, a class of chemicals suspected of

causing cancer in humans. Externally, it can cause skin irritations,

but since " .phenols can temporarily deactivate the sensory nerve

endings.contact with [triclosan] often causes little or no pain " .

" Internally, it can lead to cold sweats, circulatory collapse,

convulsions, coma, and even death " . Stored in body fat, it can

accumulate to toxic levels, damaging the liver, kidneys, and lungs,

and can cause paralysis, sterility, suppression of immune function,

brain hemorrhage, decreased fertility and sexual function, heart

problems, and coma. "

http://www.lindachae.com/triclosan.htm

Chlorophenols are a group of compounds that are used in a number of

industries and products. Exposure to high levels can cause damage to

the liver and immune system. These substances have been found in at

least 166 of the 1,467 National Priorities List sites identified by

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What are chlorophenols?

Chlorophenols are a group of chemicals that are produced by adding

chlorines to phenol. Phenol is an aromatic compound derived from

benzene. There are 5 basic types of chlorophenols and 19 different

chlorophenols.

Most chlorophenols are solid at room temperature. They have a strong,

medicinal taste and smell. Small amounts can be tasted in water.

Some chlorophenols are used as pesticides. Others are used in

antiseptics. Small amounts are produced when water is disinfected with

chlorine. They are also produced while bleaching wood pulp with

chlorine to make paper.

What happens to chlorophenols when they enters the environment?

* Chlorophenols can enter the environment when they are being made or

used as pesticides.

* Most chlorophenols released to the environment go into water.

* Small amounts of chlorophenols enter the air.

* In the air, sunlight helps destroy these compounds and rain washes

them out of the air.

* Chlorophenols stick to soil and sediments at the bottom of lakes,

streams, and rivers.

* Low levels of chlorophenols in water, soil, or sediment are broken

down and removed from the environment in a few days to weeks by

microorganisms.