Triclosan

5-Chlor-2-(2,4-dichlorphenoxy)-phenol; formula: C12H7Cl3O2; CAS Registry Number: 3380-34-5
Structure of Triclosan
Source: GSBL Joint Substance Database

Chlorinated aromatic biocide

Triclosan is a biocide widely used in disinfectants, soaps and deodorants. It is found in cosmetics as preservatives and is used for antimicrobial treatment of textiles.
Because of its broad use there is some concern about the development of resistant and cross-resistant bacterial strains. Triclosan may be transformed into polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans upon exposure to UV light. The environmental relevance of this process is not clear.

Triclosan is toxic to aquatic organisms, especially to algae.

Substances

Methyl-triclosan Product of methylation of triclosan

Specimen

Bream Bioindicator in rivers and lakes

Sampling area

Saarländischer Verdichtungsraum Important, old-industrialised conurbation in Germany.
Bornhöveder Seengebiet Main water divide between the North- and Baltic Sea
Rhein Longest river in Germany
Elbe Fourth largest river area in Central Europe.
Dübener Heide Region in the chemical triangle of Central Germany.
Donau Second largest river in Europe.

Sampling period

1994 - 2008

Extended information

Links to external information and legislation

Literature