FDA Ban on Triclosan Leads to Major Changes in Levels of Trihalomethanes in Drinking Water Sources across the United States

Since its development in the mid-1960s, antimicrobial Triclosan (TCS) has been added to many everyday household products. By 2010, TCS could be found 93% of soaps and body washes sold nationwide due germ-killing capabilities. overuse led public concern for potential emerging health risks raised past decades. Although antibacterial properties that prevent or deter bacterial growth, 2016, US Food Drug Administration (FDA) banned sale consumer antiseptic wash products containing as active ingredient. The ban stated these TCS-containing may not environmentally safe provide minimal benefits. is considered an endocrine disruptor causes immune dysfunction, microbial resistance, altered thyroid hormone activity affects human reproductive outcomes. Previous studies have shown toxic aquatic organisms invertebrates linked etiology breast cancer tumor metastasis. Research shows positive associations between occurrence antivirals detection antibiotic-resistance genes with a higher incidence antibacterial-related allergies. Our previous research examined products, increasing total trihalomethane (TTHM) levels affecting our water supply quality. To understand impact FDA requiring pre-market approval, we analyzed data reported 2016 2020 provided by Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) on TTHM levels, such chloroform, product free chlorine primary sources across United States, they correlated decreased production TCS. study limiting had desired effect lowering organochlorine contaminants, leading decrease TTHMs recorded metropolitan CCR before requirement rollback response COVID-19 pandemic 2020.