Antibacterial soap ingredient triclosan may be harmful to humans

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NewsTarget.com - http://www.newstarget.com/021703.html

 

Originally published March 15 2007

Antibacterial soap ingredient triclosan may be harmful to humans

by David Gutierrez

 

Triclosan, widely used as an antibacterial ingredient in household

hand sterilization products, breaks down rapidly when exposed to

chlorinated water and produces toxic chemicals including chloroform,

according to a study published on the Environmental Science &

Technology research website As Soon As Publishable (ASAP), suggesting

that many antibacterial products may not only be ineffective, but

harmful.

 

Jump directly to: conventional view | alternative view | resources | bottom line

 

 

What you need to know - Conventional View

• A previous study demonstrated that pure triclosan reacts with free

chlorine to produce chloroform, a toxic chemical and probable

carcinogen.

 

• This 2005 study led to the removal of all triclosan-containing

products from the British chain Marks & Spencer, as well as all

triclosan-containing toothpaste from stores in China.

 

• In the new study, the same researchers from the Virginia Polytechnic

Institute and State University tested 16 household products, including

lotions, soaps and body washes. All the products containing triclosan

produced either chloroform or other chlorine byproducts when exposed

to tap water.

 

• The researchers found that people using these products would be

exposed to chloroform levels 40 percent higher than that found in tap

water.

 

• Triclosan decomposes into chlorine byproducts in as little as one

minute when exposed to chlorinated water at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a

temperature commonly reached in household use. This led the

researchers to question whether triclosan-containing soaps even

provide the purported anti-bacterial benefit.

 

• Quote: " At fairly low levels of chlorine, the triclosan degrades

rapidly [into chlorine byproducts]. " - Researcher Peter Vikesland

 

 

What you need to know - Alternative View

Statements and opinions by Mike Adams, executive director of the

Consumer Wellness Center

 

• What this groundbreaking study reveals is that antibacterial

products containing triclosan are a hoax. This chemical is proving to

be a real threat to human health, and that doesn't even include the

fact that it can accelerate the breeding of antibiotic-resistant

superbugs.

 

• I strongly advise consumers to avoid purchasing antibacterial

products made with triclosan. Use natural products containing tea tree

oil or other herbal ingredients that are naturally antibacterial.

 

 

Resources you need to know

• Worldwatch Institute page on triclosan: http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1501

 

 

Bottom line

• Antibacterial ingredient triclosan degrades rapidly when exposed to

chlorinated tap water, producing potentially toxic byproducts.

 

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