Six Classes We can reduce harmful chemicals for a healthier world.

Transcription

1 Six Classes We can reduce harmful chemicals for a healthier world.

2 Periodic table of elements Halogens 2

3 9 F 17 Cl 35 Br Six classes 1. Highly fluorinated chemicals water and oil repellants, surfactants 2. Antimicrobials triclosan, triclocarban 3. Flame retardants brominated, chlorinated, phosphate 4. Bisphenols and phthalates plastic additives 5. Organic solvents benzene, methylene chloride Certain metals lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, arsenic 3

4 Six Classes 2. Antimicrobials: Triclosan and Triclocarban Gary Ginsberg PhD Connecticut Department of Public Health, Yale & U. Connecticut 4

5 Main Concerns Toxic Properties Widespread Exposure common in personal care products Vulnerable receptors (young childen) Cl Cl Cl N H Cl O N H O OH Cl Cl Triclosan % Triclocarban % 5

6 Where they are used Disinfectant in hospitals Increasing use in consumer products Hand soaps, lotions, mouthwash, detergent, shampoo Must be listed - regulated by FDA as over-the-counter drugs Deodorant/clothing reduce odors Toothpaste reduce plaque & gum disease Cosmetics Kitchen supplies, furniture Toys, school supplies, sports equipment

7 Rapid uptake during a short shower 9 0 TCC in whole blood (ng/ml) H u m a n p h a r m a c o k i n e t i c s f o l l o w i n g d e r m a l e x p o s u r e f r o m l a t h e r TCC in whole blood (nm) T i m e a f t e r d e r m a l e x p o s u r e ( h r ) Schebb et al. ES&T 45: ,2011 7

8 Persistent Organochlorines Alternatives (Simpler, No Chlorine) Triclocarban Ethyl Alcohol Triclosan Isopropyl Alcohol 2,3,7,8-TCDD (dioxin) Hydrogen Peroxide 8

9 Endocrine Disruption Thyroid-blocking Alters metabolism & transport of thyroid hormone Estrogen-enhancing Synergizes estrogen action Testosterone-blocking Decreases testosterone & sperm production 9

10 Increased Allergy in Children Triclosan associated with increased sensitivity to common airway allergens in children e.g. mold, animal dander (Bertelsen et al. 2013) Two possible mechanisms Antibacterials remove healthy bacteria Triclosan stimulates allergic response mouse model of asthma 10

11 What do the Exposure Levels Found in Humans Mean? Range of Human Exposure 100 µg/kg/d 10 µg/kg/d 1 µg/kg/d Toxic effects on blood and g.i. tract Anti-Thyroid effect Estrogen enhancing effect in rats Upstream biochemical effects Increased allergy in children No effects known in children so far 11

12 Environmental Issues Exposures million lbs/yr - 95% goes down the drain Wastewater treatment plants degrade only 60-80% Impacts Persistent in environment sediment/water Concerns Endocrine disruption and toxicity (Fish/Amphibians/Algae) Effect on biological wastewater treatment processes Possible increase in resistant bacteria wastewater treatment plant safely degraded 12

13 Do We Need Them? Do they provide a benefit? No proven benefit over hand washing with soap and water Potential to breed resistant bacteria Food industry? Research: Ineffective in flooring and plastic In toothpaste? Oral disease prevention comes first Ask dentist if antibacterial product is needed NO EVIDENCE ANTIMICROBIALS CUT DOWN ON INFECTIONS AROUND THE HOME 13

14 Alternative to triclosan-embedded cutting board: 2 cutting boards vs Mayo Clinic Statement There's no evidence that cutting boards containing triclosan, an antibacterial agent, prevent the spread of food-borne infections. These boards also may give a false sense of security and cause you to relax other efforts to keep the board clean. In addition, triclosantreated boards don't kill germs. 14

15 Kaiser Permanente Pullback Triclosan not used in its 37 hospitals since 2010 Precautionary approach to safety Replaced by other disinfectants, soap/water Kaiser action shows triclosan not needed, even in hospital If there is credible evidence that a product we're using might have some disadvantages from a health or environmental standpoint, then it's our obligation to look for a safer alternative -Kathy Gerwig, Kaiser Permanente VP 15

16 Policy Actions EU 2011 Concern for effect of cumulative exposure Concern for use in food contact materials FDA 2012 Not known to be hazardous to human health Under review for endocrine disruption & bacterial resistance EPA 2013 Major review initiated for endocrine disruption Manufacturer pullbacks announced (triclosan, phalates, parabens, formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane) 2014 (triclosan and phthalates) 16

17 Is it Toxic: YES Take away points Endocrine disruption and immune effects at relevant doses May lead to more asthma and resistant bacteria Is it Necessary: Most uses NO Other ways to control bacteria Are Regulators Concerned: YES studying the matter Are Manufacturers Concerned: YES Certain producers/hospitals pulling back How can Triclosan be avoided? Avoid products w/triclosan on the label Do not give children adult toothpaste 17

18 Follow-up questions Are there anti-microbials in the products you manufacture, sell, or use? What functions do they serve? How necessary are these functions? What alternatives have you investigated? Would you be interested in continuing this discussion? If so, contact: Erika Houtz, 18