UPSC Prelims 2021 Q75: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
- (a) Food preservatives
- (b) Fruit - ripening substances
- (c) Reused plastic containers
- (d) Toiletries
Answer: (d) Toiletries
Explanation
Triclosan: Where Is It Found?
Triclosan is a chlorinated phenolic antibacterial and antifungal agent developed in the 1960s. It is commonly used in:
| Product Category | Contains Triclosan? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Food preservatives | NO | regulated food additives don't use triclosan |
| Fruit-ripening substances | NO | ethylene, calcium carbide used instead |
| Reused plastic containers | NO | BPA/phthalates are the concern, not triclosan |
| Toiletries | YES - PRIMARY USE | Soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, shampoos, mouthwashes, hand sanitisers, shaving creams. Used for antibacterial claim. |
US FDA banned triclosan in over-the-counter antibacterial hand/body wash (2016) due to endocrine-disruption concerns and lack of proven benefit over plain soap. Triclosan can affect thyroid function, contribute to antibiotic resistance and accumulate in the environment.
Answer: (d) Toiletries.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Food preservatives are regulated additives like sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sulphites - not triclosan.
- (b) Incorrect. Fruit-ripening uses ethylene (natural) or calcium carbide (banned) - not triclosan.
- (c) Incorrect. Reused plastic concerns are about BPA, phthalates and microplastic leaching, not triclosan.
- (d) CORRECT. Triclosan is a chlorinated antibacterial agent found primarily in TOILETRIES - soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, mouthwashes, shampoos, hand sanitisers. US FDA banned it in OTC antibacterial washes (2016) due to endocrine disruption concerns.
Key point
Triclosan = chlorinated antibacterial agent in TOILETRIES (soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, mouthwashes). US FDA banned in OTC antibacterial washes (2016) for endocrine disruption + antibiotic resistance. Persistent in environment.
Remember
Triclosan is a chlorinated antibacterial agent most likely present in TOILETRIES - soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, mouthwashes, shampoos and hand sanitisers. US FDA banned it in over-the-counter antibacterial washes in 2016 due to endocrine disruption concerns. Correct answer: (d) Toiletries.
Common mistakes
- Confusing triclosan (antibacterial toiletries) with parabens (preservatives in cosmetics) or phthalates (fragrances/plastic).
- Not knowing US FDA 2016 rule banned triclosan in OTC antibacterial hand/body wash but permitted it in Colgate Total toothpaste (later removed voluntarily).
- Missing that triclosan is a persistent environmental contaminant detected in wastewater, aquatic organisms.
Exam tip
Triclosan = antibacterial in toiletries. FDA 2016 banned in OTC antibacterial soaps (no efficacy above plain soap). Concerns: (i) endocrine disruption (thyroid), (ii) antibiotic resistance, (iii) environmental persistence (aquatic toxicity). Similar to BPA and phthalates as chemicals of concern.
Sources
- US FDA - Triclosan Final Rule (2016)
- WHO/UNEP - Endocrine Disruptors: State of the Science