Triclosan, an ingredient common in antibacterial soaps, cosmetics, deodorants, toothpastes and more, it can disrupt key hormones that regulate growth and reproduction as well as contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
Robert H. Tukey, professor in the departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Pharmacology, led the study, which found that triclosan disrupted liver integrity and compromised liver function in mice. Perhaps most troubling, when mice were exposed to triclosan for six months they were more susceptible to chemical-induced liver tumors. Their tumors were also larger and more frequent than in mice not exposed to triclosan.