Pesticides Found In Soap, Toothpaste And Toys

Babies May Be Exposed To Chemical Through Breast Milk

WPXL
Published July 17, 2008

PITTSBURGH -- Several environmental groups are asking the EPA to cancel the non-medical use of Triclosan an antibacterial chemical. Triclosan is a hormone disrupting pesticide widely used in antibacterial soap. The chemical has been approved for use in 140 different types of consumer products including liquid hand soap, toothpaste, undergarments and children's toys. The EPA is now reviewing health and safety data for triclosan. According to the Environmental Working Group the chemical can end up in mothers' breast milk and poses potential toxicity to fetal and childhood development. The chemical is used in most antibacterial products, but a U.S. FDA advisory committee has found that household use of antibacterial products provides no benefits over plain soap and water. In fact, according to the American Medical Association it may encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Triclosan is also a common ingredient in toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, a host of personal care products, and even mattresses, toothbrushes and shoe insoles. Triclosan has also been linked to liver and inhalation toxicity, and low levels of triclosan may disrupt thyroid function. Triclosan is very toxic to aquatic life and water treatment plants don't remove all of the chemical, which means it ends up in our lakes, rivers and water sources.