Synthetic antimicrobial contaminant
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About Triclosan (TCS)
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About Triclosan (TCS)
Overview and History
Triclosan is a chlorinated phenolic compound created as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. First introduced into consumer and clinical products in the mid-20th century, it was added to soaps, toothpaste, textiles, plastics, and other materials to reduce bacterial growth.
At the biochemical level, triclosan inhibits bacterial fatty-acid synthesis enzymes and can alter microbial communities. It is absorbed through skin and the digestive tract and is commonly detected in urine and the environment. Because it is persistent and widespread, triclosan is used as a marker of personal-care and environmental chemical exposure and is measured in laboratories using sensitive mass-spectrometry methods.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Elevated urinary TCS most commonly reflects recent or repeated exposure from triclosan-containing products, contaminated water, or specific occupational sources. Higher levels may also coincide with shifts in skin or gut microbes and have been associated in studies with changes in hormone signaling and antimicrobial resistance patterns, though these are associations rather than direct conclusions.
Low or non-detectable TCS generally indicates little recent exposure, effective source reduction, or sampling after the chemical has been cleared. Interpretation depends on sample timing, urine concentration, co-exposures measured in the full panel, and individual detoxification genetics included in the Toxin Zoomer.
Featured Test
TCS is included in the Toxin Zoomer as a representative environmental chemical tied to personal-care and household product use. Measuring urinary TCS helps quantify exposure burden, link results to likely sources, and contextualize that exposure with detoxification genetics and other contaminants for more personalized interpretation.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
