Triclosan and other chemicals from toothpastes accumulate on nylon bristles, exposing users to uncontrolled release of the antimicrobial chemical

A study in the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Environmental Science & Technology found that triclosan – a compound which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned for use in over-the-counter antiseptic soaps, gels, and wipes – could stick to materials usually used on toothbrush heads.

• While research has proven that triclosan can disturb hormones in both animals and humans, contributing to antibiotic resistance, as well as harm organisms in the water, it is still used as an ingredient in toothpaste because it can reportedly reduce gum inflammation, plaque, and cavities. It can also be used in clothing, cookware, and other products.
• As such, triclosan can be released uncontrollably and create a hidden route that exposes the user to its effects. It can migrate to areas which have not been considered before.
• In doing the study, the research team simulated brushing with various commercial brushes and toothpaste.
• They found out that more than one-third of the 22 toothbrushes tested had triclosan which amounted to seven to 12 doses of the volume used for every brush.
• Toothbrushes with “polishing cups” or cheek/tongue cleaners with elastomers contained the most copious amounts of triclosan.
• After researchers used triclosan-free toothpaste but continued to use the same brushes, triclosan stayed on the toothbrushes for the next two weeks. This could prolong the user’s exposure to triclosan, even after he or she used another toothpaste.
• Dumping used toothbrushes with triclosan into landfills may lead to chemical leaching into the environment.

More questions need to be answered about the design of consumer products — especially those for personal care — with absorptive polymer elements for use as chemicals, researchers concluded

Journal Review:

Han J, Qiu W, Campbell EC, White JC, Xing B. NYLON BRISTLES AND ELASTOMERS RETAIN CENTIGRAM LEVELS OF TRICLOSAN AND OTHER CHEMICALS FROM TOOTHPASTES: ACCUMULATION AND UNCONTROLLED RELEASE. Environmental Science & Technology. 2017;51(21):12264–12273. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b02839