What chemicals to avoid:

Products containing triclosan, triclocarban and other antimicrobials

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Where these chemicals are found:

The chemical triclosan can commonly be found in personal care products such as body washes, shampoos and conditioners, deodorants, hand creams and toothpastes; triclocarban is mostly in bar soaps.

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Where else these chemicals are lurking:

Everything from clothing to body products, household items, playgrounds, exercise equipment and more

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Who says you should avoid them:

Here at Chemical-Free Life we have been saying it for years, along with many of our colleagues, but now it includes over two hundred scientists and medical professionals who just signed “The Florence Statement on Triclosan and Triclocarban” which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives.  The statement calls for limiting use of these chemicals and labeling them, along with measures to curtail their environmental impact.

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Why you should avoid the “anti-microbial” chemicals, Triclosan and Triclocarban:

-These chemicals have been linked to increasing allergen sensitivity and disruptions to hormones, the endocrine system and possibly the reproductive system

-There is no scientific evidence of benefits from these chemicals and they may do more harm than good

-The hormone-disrupting features of these chemicals may make them especially harmful to pregnant women and infants

-Animal studies have suggested triclosans could have a negative effect on the microbiome, which includes gut bacteria

-Triclosan overuse may add to antibiotic resistance (When bacteria become antibiotic-resistant, medical treatments don’t work and infections may spread more readily.)

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How to avoid these chemicals:

You can choose certified organic products when possible, or play it really safe and make DIY personal care products using fresh ingredients.  But at the very least, read the ingredients labels before you purchase any item.  Avoid items that say they contain “Triclosan”, “Triclocarban”, and unless it specifically lists what it is, items that say they contain “antimicrobial” or “antibacterial” ingredients. Instead, choose a competitor’s product that is free of these unwanted chemicals.

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What else consumers can do:

Consumers can contact product manufacturers through their websites, emails, toll-free telephone numbers, or through social media and let them know your stand on products containing these chemicals of concern.

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See:

Buyer beware: Antimicrobial products can do more harm than good

Global call to action on antimicrobials from scientists published today

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Summary  here

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The Florence Statement on Triclosan and Triclocarban

 

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