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Year in review: Microbes exploit their killer

Triclosan promotes antibiotic resistance

person washing hands

ANTIBACTERIAL BACKFIRE  Triclosan, an unregulated antimicrobial chemical found in consumer products such as soaps and toothpaste, may aid, rather than deter, microbes that invade people’s bodies.

© EMPPhotography/iStockPhoto

By Beth Mole

- More than 2 years ago

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Microbes have turned our pharmaceutical weapons into allies. This year, triclosan, an antimicrobial agent, topped the list of chemical traitors, aiding rather than deterring germs.