EWG's Guide to Triclosan

This is very interesting. My husband would always say to people who put the anti-bacterial hand gel on there hands, "Your just putting chemicals on your hands!". I have to agree with him on that one! They have the dispensers everywhere in hospitals. It is always best to just wash your hands with warm soapy water if possible. 

Here is the PDF link if you would like to print this out.             

 

ewg.org
EWG’s Guide to Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical found in many consumer products.

Where is triclosan found?

It’s nearly ubiquitous in liquid hand soap and dishwashing detergent, but those aren’t the only products it’s in. Triclosan is also a common ingredient in toothpaste, facewash, deodorant, a host of personal care products, and even mattresses, toothbrushes and shoe insoles. A U.S. FDA advisory committee has found that household use of antibacterial products provides no benefits over plain soap and water, and the American Medical Association recommends that triclosan not be used in the home, as it may encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

What problems are associated with triclosan?

Triclosan is linked to liver and inhalation toxicity, and low levels of triclosan may disrupt thyroid function.
Wastewater treatment does not remove all of the chemical, which means it ends up in our lakes, rivers and
water sources. That’s especially unfortunate since triclosan is very toxic to aquatic life.

HOW TO AVOID TRICLOSAN

• Forgo antibacterial soap.

• The American Medical Association says not to use it at home.

• Watch for triclosan (and triclocarban) in personal care products.

• Read ingredient labels or use Skin Deep to find products free of triclosan and triclocarban, its chemical cousin.

• Avoid “antibacterial” products.

• Triclosan is used in everyday products like toothbrushes, toys, and cutting boards that may be labeled “antibacterial,” or make claims such as “odor-fighting” or “keeps food fresher, longer.”

Triclosan may be in these products:

• soap and dishwashing liquid
• towels
• mattresses
• sponges
• personal care products
• shower curtains
• toothbrushes
• phones
• kitchenware and plastic food containers
• shoes
• flooring and carpets
• cutting boards
• clothing and fabrics
• toys