Triclosan - Assessment Report on Issues of Concern

A two-page summary of the information on triclosan contained in the 2020 UNEP Assessment Report on Issues of Concern: Chemicals and Waste Issues Posing Risks to Human Health and the Environment and the 2019 Global Chemicals Outlook II. Triclosan is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antibacterial chemical used as an additive in thousands of consumer and medical antibacterial products and plastics. It has been used commercially across the globe since the 1970s. Major global use is in cosmetics and personal care products (68%, particularly deodorants) followed by disinfection and medical use (16%) and lower amounts in paints (8%), and in plastic materials, toys and appliances (8%).