WARNING: Antibacterial Soap Linked to Altered Hormones and Antibiotic Resistance
May 01, 2010
The U.S. FDA has begun a review of the safety of triclosan. Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical which is found in many consumer products, such as soap and toothpaste.
Massachusetts Democrat Edward Markey has called for strict limits on the use of triclosan. "Despite the fact that this chemical is found in everything from soaps to socks," said Markey, "There are many troubling questions about triclosan's effectiveness and potentially harmful effects, especially for children."
One study showed that the chemical can alter hormone regulation. A number of other studies have demonstrated that bacteria exposed to triclosan could potentially become resistant to antibiotics.