Concerns over safety of Triclosan

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes that there are “valid concerns” about the safety of Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical used in hand washes, toothpastes, deodorants, kitchen cleaners and many other goods.

The use of Triclosan is so widespread, in fact, that one study found 75% of people tested had the chemical present in their urine.

Triclosan has been linked with several problems in the past, such as increasing bacterial resistance and causing the formation of dioxins in surface water after use in household products.

However, the current concern is over the effects that Triclosan may have on health. A 2006 study linked it with endocrine disruption and more recent research also revealed that it “significantly impacts thyroid hormone concentrations in male juvenile rats.”

The FDA said: “It is the FDA’s opinion that existing data raise valid concerns about the effects of repetitive daily human exposure to these antiseptic ingredients.”

It is now looking for further research to be carried out in order to build on previous studies.

The Canadian organisation Health Canada has also been looking at Triclosan in recent years and in 2009 brought in new labelling legislation which means oral products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes containing it must state that they should not be used by children under 12.

Whilst in the UK there are restrictions on the concentration of Triclosan permitted in products, there is no requirement to state a warning on the bottles.

Triclosan-free products from Green People

Green People has never used Triclosan in any of its skin care products as there are natural alternatives that offer effective microbial control, such as Lemon Tea Tree, Manuka and Larch Tree.

We use ingredients such as these in our certified organic hand washes Antibacterial Liquid Soap and Foaming Hand Sanitizer. Our toothpastes, deodorants and other bacteria-fighting products also achieve excellent results by using natural ingredients to perform the role of Triclosan.

See our natural hand washes now.