Digital News Report – The Food and Drug Administration issued a safety notice on products containing triclosan which is included in products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. While the FDA said on their website that triclosan at this time is not known to be hazardous to humans there are several scientific studies that change hormone regulation in animal studies. Triclosan studies have also found that it could possibly make bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
Triclosan chemical is used in products such as clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys, but is also added to some antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics.
The FDA will need to investigate the safety of triclosan chemical further to determine the safety of it, but in the mean time they do not have enough evidence to recommend consumers to stop using products containing the ingredient.
In 1997, the FDA does have proof that triclosan in Colgate Total toothpaste was effective at preventing gingivitis. However triclosan found in antibacterial soaps and body washes does not seem to offer any extra benefit to health than just regular soap and water says the FDA.
You can determine if a product has triclosan by looking at the ingredient listed on the product. Cosmetics, toothpastes and soaps will all list this as an ingredient if has been used.
The FDA will be completing an investigation into the safety of triclosan. The results of their finding will be made public in the Spring of 2011. The government agency is also partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine the effects on animals as well as the environment from triclosan.
ref: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm205999.htm
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