On September 2nd the FDA banned the use of Triclosan, Triclocarban and 17 other chemicals that have been in hand and body washes labeled “antibacterial.”
I’ve been educating my clients and my Food For Thought Thursday followers for years on the dangers of these chemicals and how they lead to hormone imbalance and bacterial resistance. See this article I wrote from 2014!
The ban on Triclosan and Triclocarban makes one think that the FDA is looking out for the public’s health. NOT! For most of you this probably comes as nothing new. Yes, we have a broken oversight system in our country. With that said, this is a good start. Sigh.
In 2013 the FDA required companies using these chemicals to prove they are safe and effective. Boy I wish they had thought to do that before these products got into the market in the first place! Triclosan has been known to disrupt thyroid function and raise testosterone, and it’s even been linked to muscle weakness. And, most importantly, the regular use of products with this chemical can lead to antibiotic resistance. Now that’s something to be very afraid of!
Think about healthcare workers who use antibacterial gels all day long in the course of their job! Women who carry it in their purses or keep wipes in their car are also exposing themselves and their children to risk. It was found that not only are these chemicals dangerous to the health of the public but they are no more effective than using plain soap and water in killing germs and bacteria.
What you need to know is the ban only applies to consumer hand soap and body wash products. It does not apply to hospitals, health care clinics, restaurant and food preparation areas like delis in grocery stores and school cafeterias.
Triclosan lurks in so many other products like toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitizers, wipes, laundry soap, dish soap, shaving gel and deodorants.
If you absolutely need to use something that’s “antibacterial” try using products from these companies that use natural antibacterial sources like thyme and coconut. Same results, no harm to your body. I’m sure there are other safer brands out there, but these are the ones I use and know of their safety.
Hand Soap Image Copyright: chassenet / 123RF Stock Photo