Gosse interviewed for Healthline article on triclosan

Healthline interviewed Julie Gosse, an associate professor of biochemistry at the University of Maine, for an article on triclosan and its effects on health. Triclosan is an antibacterial ingredient commonly occurring in cosmetics, clothing, kitchenware and other products. The FDA has banned it from some soaps and body washes, since the ingredient is not effective enough in those products to merit its inclusion, but it is still used in some toothpastes. Gosse’s most recent research on triclosan shows that the ingredient disrupts mitochondrial function and mast cell signaling in human and mouse cells, which could negatively affect cell processes and the immune system, Healthline reports. “We’ve also found inflammation caused by triclosan in cell culture, in primary human skin cells, which are directly exposed when humans come into skin contact with triclosan-containing products,” said Gosse. An article she published reported triclosan is associated with cancer development and decreased cardiovascular function in mice. Gosse and others have called for further research on the topic, based on several studies suggesting triclosan has negative effects on human health, the article states. “Our job is to do the best science we can do and make people aware. As scientists, we communicate our findings, and the public, companies, or government decides what they should do,” said Gosse.