Why Is There Still a Frog Disruptor In My Toothpaste?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01. 2.09
For well over two years we have been wondering why they still allow chemicals like triclosan in products like soap, creams and even toothpaste. We know people are crazed about using antibacterial products, even though they do more harm than good. They are possibly gender-benders and may be responsible for killing amphibians. So why are they still so ubiquitous? Because the EPA continues to think that they are just fine.
mmm, just what my teenage daughter needs to rub into her face, sex hormones.
According to Janet Pelley of Environmental Science and Technology, the recent Re-registration eligibility decision (pdf download here) the EPA concluded that
all uses of the bactericide may be renewed, except for use in paint, which was voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer. Triclosan is added to a surprising array of products, such as computer keyboards, toys, clothing, toothpaste, mattresses, and cutting boards.
Not to mention, all the products listed at the bottom of this post that go on your body and in your mouth. Triclosan is "used in large amounts, is fat-loving, and bioaccumulates."
“Many of triclosan’s endocrine effects, which are well documented in aquatic animals, take place at concentrations many times lower than levels that are currently found in some natural water bodies, including water that could end up in drinking-water supplies,” says Heather Hamlin, a reproductive endocrinologist at the University of Florida. Dysfunction in the thyroid system is particularly worrisome given that the thyroid hormone controls metabolism and affects nearly every cell in the body, she adds.“Given the mounting scientific evidence that triclosan has the potential to harm endocrine function in animals, there should be concern that similar results could be occurring in human populations as well,” Hamlin says.
Is there not enough evidence already that we should not be putting antibiotics everywhere, or using possible endocrine disruptors on our kids?
Read more at ES&J
And in TreeHugger:
There’s A Frog Disruptor In My Soap
Antibacterial Cleaners Do More Harm Than Good
Germ Fighters Lead to Hardier Germs
Drugs Are In Our Water! Should I Switch to Bottled?
The Incredible Shrinking Man: How Pollution is Destroying Your Genitals
"Frog Disruptor In My Soap", Revisited
Care2 has an updated list of products that do and don't have Triclosan.
What You Can Do About Triclosan?
Be on the lookout for triclosan on the ingredient lists of soaps, facial cleansers, exfoliants, acne medicines, toothpaste, cosmetics, deodorant and other personal care products. When looking for triclosan in plastics or fabrics, watch out for products that are marketed as containing Microban or Biofresh.
Examples of Products That Contain Triclosan:
Neutrogena Deep Clean Body Scrub Bar
Lever 2000 Special Moisture Response Bar Soap, Antibacterial
CVS Antibacterial Hand Soap
Dial Liquid Soap, Antibacterial Bar Soap
Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
Cetaphil Gentle Antibacterial Cleansing Bar
Clearasil Daily Face Wash
Clean & Clear Oil Free Foaming Facial Cleanser
Dawn Complete Antibacterial Dish Liquid
Ajax Antibacterial Dish Liquid
Colgate Total Toothpaste
Right Guard Sport Deodorant
Old Spice Red Zone, High Endurance and Classic Deodorants
Vaseline Intensive Care Antibacterial Hand Lotion
Support Companies That Do Not Use Triclosan
CleanWell
LUSH
Nature’s Gate
Vermont Country
Naked Soap Works
MiEssence
Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer
Ivory
Paul’s Organic
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps
Tom’s of Maine
The Natural Dentist
Listerine Essential Care
Peelu
Weleda
Toxic Free Basics
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- The Incredible Shrinking Male
- Enjoy Bottled Water with the Competitive Enterprise Institute
- Europe to Ban Cancer Causing Pesticides
- 7 Things That Make Your Butt (and The Rest of You) Look Fat
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Does anyone know what effect Triclosan has on residential septic systems? I would think enough of it would stop the processing of waste if it killed all the bacteria in the tank.
rahlquist:
My wife is studying degradation of Triclosan & the related Triclocarban in sewage treatment plants as part of her Master's thesis. The answer is that Triclosan is effectively useless as an antibacterial agent. You can easily google some studies on it's effect, or lack thereof, in antibacterial hand soaps.