The reason that I bring this up is that the data on Triclosan and
its potential concern for human health is not new. Discussions on this have been going on for
some time. As I outlined back in April
of 2013 in the Triclosan
Chemistry Report Card, over the years the use of Triclosan has been increasing and can be found being
infused in an increasing number of consumer products owing to its use as a
preservative to ward off bacteria, fungus, mildew and odors in toys,
mattresses, toilet fixtures, clothing (check the label for your PJs!),
furniture fabric, and paints. A study conducted in 2006, found that exposing
bullfrog tadpoles to levels of Triclosan commonly found in the environment can
cause endocrine disruption. More
recently, a study conducted by the University of
Minnesota determined that Triclosan is being found in
increasing amounts in several Minnesota freshwater lakes. The findings are
directly linked to increased Triclosan use over the past few decades.
The reason that I’m including the dates of some
of my previous blogs is that the concerns associated over the use of Triclosan
have been well documented for well more than a decade. It’s unfortunate that with politics and with
lobbying, some things are slow to change.
Thankfully in Sept of 2016 the FDA issued a final rule banning
over-the-counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic wash products from containing
certain active ingredients. Triclosan
was among those ingredients. Finally
science prevailed. According to the FDA Press Release “Companies did not provide the necessary data to establish safety and
effectiveness for the 19 active ingredients addressed in this final rulemaking.
For these ingredients, either no additional data were submitted or the data and
information that were submitted were not sufficient for the agency to find that
these ingredients are Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRAS/GRAE).”
Admittedly, this ban is currently only present in consumer
products. The ban has not spread to
professional products such as hand soaps or surgical scrubs, etc. The question I have is, if the FDA has deemed
Triclosan to be unsafe for us to use at home because of health risks, would
these same health risks not occur if we’re using Triclosan laced products at
work? I for one, as I noted above since
2012, have “banned” the use of Triclosan in my house and check labels in
facilities when I am using the soap provided.
With every possible effort I can give I avoid the use of this harmful
chemical. Isn’t this something you would
also want to do to given the risks?
Nicole
