‘Triclosan’, considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) Toiletries
Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical added to personal-care products such as some soaps, skin cleansers, deodorants and toothpastes, which are toiletries. It is a suspected endocrine (hormone-system) disruptor, so long exposure to high levels is a worry.
- ✓ (d) The US FDA says triclosan is added to some antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes and cosmetics, all toiletries. Some short-term animal studies link high doses to lower levels of some thyroid hormones, which is why long exposure is a concern.
- ✗ (a) Food preservatives keep food from spoiling; triclosan is not a permitted food preservative. It is an antibacterial for personal-care products.
- ✗ (b) Fruit-ripening substances are chemicals that release ethylene, the ripening hormone of plants. Triclosan is not a ripening agent.
- ✗ (c) Triclosan is mainly an antibacterial added to personal-care products. The usual worry about reused plastic containers is a different one: chemicals such as BPA leaching out of the plastic.
Remember · Triclosan is an antibacterial agent in toiletries (soaps, toothpaste, deodorants) and a suspected endocrine disruptor.
Sources
- US Food and Drug Administration: 5 Things to Know About Triclosan (Internet Archive copy, 2021) ↗ “Triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products intended to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It is added to some antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics … Some short-term animal studies have shown that exposure to high doses of triclosan is associated with a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones.”
- Connecticut Department of Public Health, Triclosan Technical Fact Sheet ↗ “It can be found in detergents, soaps, skin cleansers, deodorants, lotions, creams, toothpaste, mouthwash, and dishwashing liquids.”
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2021, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 1 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·