(a) Food preservatives 

(b) Fruit-ripening substances 

(c) Reused plastic containers 

(d) Toiletries 

Ans: d 

Explanation:

Triclosan is an antimicrobial active ingredient used in several consumer products to increase their shelf life by stopping the growth of unwanted micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, etc), which might degrade the product.

A wide range of consumer products contain triclosan. More than 80% of triclosan usage is in personal care products, cosmetics and household cleaning products. These products contain between 0.1% and 0.3% triclosan. These items include:

• Fluoride toothpaste.
• Mouthwashes.
• Facial cleansers.
• Aftershave.
• Deodorants and body sprays.
• Lotions and creams.
• Cosmetics.
• Detergents and dishwashing liquids.
• Triclosan is part of other materials, including pesticides and textiles. 
• Clothing, shoes, carpeting, furniture, toys and kitchenware all contain the ingredient. 

In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of consumer antiseptic wash products (soaps and body washes) containing triclosan. 

However, India lacks any such regulation so far on the use of trichlosan used products. The US FDA had banned triclosan from consumer anti bacterial soaps and body washes.

What are the side effects of triclosan?

Triclosan is an endocrine-disrupting chemical. That means it can harm endocrine system, leading to issues with proper hormone function. Exposure to the ingredient is of particular concern to females. That’s because it can cross the placenta and enter breast milk.

When a product containing triclosan is used, the body can absorb small amounts of it and the skin or mouth can absorb the ingredient within one to four hours.

Hence, option d is correct.

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