University of California medical researchers conducted a study which suggests possible harm to humans subjected to long-term exposure to Triclosan, said Science Daily. Triclosan is an additive commonly used in soaps, toothpaste and other hygiene products.

The study published last Nov. 17 found the antimicrobial additive is responsible for causing cancer and liver fibrosis among the laboratory mice exposed to it.

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Professor Robert Tukey, who led the study, and fellow professor Bruce Hammock believe the increasing presence of Triclosan in the environment and its widespread use in consumer hygiene products may already outweigh its perceived benefits.

The possibility of humans contacting liver fibrosis and cancer due to prolong exposure to Triclosan is very real, reported te UC San Diego Health System.

Mice exposed to Triclosan long-term were more likely to get tumors in the liver. Compared to mice not exposed to Triclosan, the tumors are bigger and occur more frequently.

Triclosan may impede a certain protein tasked with getting rid of foreign materials in the body. To counter this, liver cells multiply and then become fibrotic after some time. As a body continues to have prolonged Triclosan exposure, the liver fibrosis will soon become liver tumors.

Many humans are constantly exposed to Triclosan every time they use soap or brush their teeth using toothpastes. Research has shown that 97 percent of breast milk taken from lactating women contain traces of Triclosan.

Seventy five urine samples out of 100 were also found to contain the chemical substance. Triclosan can be found in almost all waterways in the United States.

Hammock advocates banning Triclosan in hygiene products such as liquid hand soaps. He concedes Triclosan levels in toothpastes is still small so any danger of prolonged exposure is remote.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is placing Triclosan under review, especially with new reports claiming the chemical is also responsible for muscle contraction impairment and hormone disruptions.

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