Lara Abrams Communications

Trichlorocarbanilide (triclocarban), which is generally listed as TCC, is a non-agricultural polychlorinated phenyl urea pesticide; but the treatment byproduct (sludge) contains high concentrations of the toxic chemical, the report said.

The senior author of the study, Rolf U. Halden, PhD, was quoted in the article as saying, "Triclocarban does not break down easily even under the intense measures applied during wastewater treatment. Following [triclocarban's] intended use as a topical antiseptic, we are effectively and inadvertently using it as an agricultural pesticide that is neither regulated nor monitored."

Previous research on triclocarban shows that the toxic chemical’s existence is grossly underreported; in Maryland, detected concentrations of triclocarban in streams and rivers were found to be at levels 20-fold higher than previously reported.

According to the press release, Heidler will continue to research the topic, studying the chemical’s affect on foods fertilized with the contaminated sludge.

To read the entire press release, click here.