Triclosan: Where
It's Found, Why It's Dangerous and How You Can Avoid It
Antibacterial hand sanitizers and antibacterial soaps seem like they
fight germs and prevent illness, but they contain the chemical triclosan
that can actually hurt your health!
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Have you used antibacterial soap recently?
Antibacterial soap is so common, you probably used it the last time you washed
your hands, especially in public restrooms. While there's nothing wrong with
hygiene and washing your hands frequently, next time you see antibacterial
products, you may want to think twice!
Antibacterial soaps (and a host of other consumer products) contain triclosan,
an antibacterial and antifungal chemical that can actually be dangerous to
your health.
Which Products Contain Triclosan?
Manufacturers use triclosan in:
- Antibacterial soaps
- Hand sanitizers
- Deodorants
- Toothpastes
- Acne fighting products
- Mouthwash
- Athletic clothing
- Bedding
- Socks
- Cleaning supplies
- Toys
- Trash bags
Triclosan is used in all kinds of consumer products to kill bacteria, but
it is achlorophenol, a type of chemical that may cause cancer in humans!
Dangers of Triclosan
Triclosan has been proven to be dangerous. As a result of recent studies,
British chain store, Marks & Spencer, stopped selling all triclosan-containing
products, and China no longer sells toothpaste with the chemical.1
Here in the United States, people are just starting to understand the risks
of triclosan.
A study at Virginia Tech discovered that products containing triclosan
produced either chloroform or other chlorine byproducts when exposed to tap
water.2 In fact, triclosan decomposes
into chlorine byproducts in as little as one minute when exposed to chlorinated
tap water at 100 degrees Fahrenheit.3
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers
the triclosan byproduct, chloroform, to be a probable human carcinogen that
could cause cancer.4
Another study found that triclosan acts as an endocrine disruptor in North
American bullfrogs. In the environment, triclosan reacts with sunlight
and forms chlorophenols and dioxin that act as endocrine disruptors. Researchers
think that the dioxins and chlorophenols from triclosan mimic thyroid hormone
and blocks the metabolism of it, keeping normal hormones from being used.
Protect Yourself From Triclosan
The best way to avoid triclosan is to stop using those products that contain
it. Manufacturers are required to disclose if they use it, so check labels
to see if triclosan is present.
Instead of conventional antibacterial soaps and cleaners, try products that
clean with natural ingredients like tea tree oil.
Be sure to read more about the benefits of tea tree oil in The
Tea Tree Skin 'Miracle.'
By being a conscious consumer, you can avoid dangerous chemicals like triclosan
and send the message to manufacturers that product safety is important to
you. Don't let someone else determine your health! Take charge of what
you put in and on your body, and you will enhance your own health and
the health of the environment.
Sources:
Gutierrez, David, "Antibacterial soap ingredient triclosan may be harmful
to humans," 15 Mar 2007, NewsTarget.com.
http://www.newstarget.com/021703.html
2 ibid.
3ibid.
4 McGhee, Angela, "Triclosan," Health-Report.co.uk. http://www.health-report.co.uk/triclosan.html
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