The Food and Drug Administration said recent research raises "valid
concerns" about the possible health effects of
Triclosan, an
antibacterial chemical found in a growing number of
liquid soaps, hand
sanitizers, dishwashing liquids, shaving gels and even socks, workout
clothes and toys.
A new paper, published today in the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
indicates that triclosan impairs muscle function in both animals and
humans. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of
California, Davis, found that the chemical hinders human muscle
contractions at the cellular level and inhibits normal muscle
functioning in both fish and mice.
“Triclosan is found in virtually everyone’s home and is pervasive in the environment,” said lead author Isaac Pessah. “These findings provide strong evidence that the chemical is of concern to both human and environmental health.”
The antibacterial substance, which was first developed in the 1960s to
prevent bacterial infections in hospitals, has since been incorporated
into everything from hand soaps to toothpastes to mouthwashes.
Manufacturers see it as a marketing bonus, increasing consumer
confidence that a particular product kills harmful bacteria. Even some
household products—such as kitchen utensils, toys and bedding—include
triclosan.
