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. 2014 Apr 1;48(7):3603-11.
doi: 10.1021/es500495p. Epub 2014 Mar 14.

On the need and speed of regulating triclosan and triclocarban in the United States

Rolf U Halden  1
Affiliations

On the need and speed of regulating triclosan and triclocarban in the United States

Rolf U Halden. Environ Sci Technol. .

Abstract

The polychlorinated aromatic antimicrobials triclosan and triclocarban are in widespread use for killing microorganisms indiscriminately, rapidly, and by nonspecific action. While their utility in healthcare settings is undisputed, benefits to users of antimicrobial personal care products are few to none. Yet, these latter, high-volume uses have caused widespread contamination of the environment, wildlife, and human populations. This feature article presents a timeline of scientific evidence and regulatory actions in the U.S. concerning persistent polychlorinated biocides, showing a potential path forward to judicious and sustainable uses of synthetic antimicrobials, including the design of greener and safer next-generation alternatives.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Timeline of scientific and regulatory events concerning the use and occurrence of triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) in the United States, with particular emphasis on the Tentative Final Monograph (TFM) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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