Exposure to a chemical commonly used to reduce bacterial contamination in cosmetics, toothpaste and products like toys and clothing may come with an unintended risk of osteoporosis. That's according to a study in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
The study looked at data from 1,848 women between 2005 and 2010 and found that women who had higher levels of triclosan in their urine were more likely to develop osteoporosis later on in life. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease in which a person loses bone mineral density. With the bones weakened, it puts a person at an increased risk for fractures, back pain and loss of height.
This the first such study to find this connection, researchers said. Researchers think there is a negative connection between bone health and triclosan in part because it interferes with the function of the thyroid. Earlier studies have shown that an imbalance with the thyroid can cause bone loss and increase a person's risk for fracture.
Triclosan is an ingredient that had been used in some hand sanitizers, toothpaste, and cosmetics as well as kitchenware, toys, furniture, and clothing. It's added to products to prevent bacterial contamination according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
In 2016, the FDA started to restrict the use of triclosan and other chemicals in some consumer products because they were not proven to be safe and effective for long-term daily use. In April, the FDA issued a final rule banning it for use in over-the-counter hand sanitizers in the United States. It is, however, still in some products. Some past studies looking at its use in toothpaste seemed to suggest it was safe, but with that being said, more research is needed.
Some studies in animals showed that long-term exposure to the chemical increased the animal's risk for skin cancer. Another study suggested that exposure to triclosan may disrupt some reproductive and developmental processes in infants. Another study suggested it may be linked to the spread of antibiotic resistance.
