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FDA Re-evaluating Triclosan

By Kristie Turck •  Published 04/12/10 •  2 min read

Last updated on August 20th, 2022 at 12:36 am

Last Thursday the FDA updated their website regarding Triclosan and whether it should be a safety concern.  Since Triclosan was last evaluated by the FDA it had “no harmful effects” on humans and they deemed it safe.  However, new research has popped up that suggests that Triclosan can alter hormone regulation as well as make bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Tricosan is found in a lot of household products like toothpaste, soaps, cutting boards, shower curtains, clothing as an additive to make an item or product bacteria resistant.  The FDA isn’t suggesting anyone stop using products containing Triclosan but in a very non-alarmist way they are trying to educate people on how to look for it and avoid it.  Read the FDA try to cover their butt right on FDA.gov:

Triclosan is not currently known to be hazardous to humans. But several scientific studies have come out since the last time FDA reviewed this ingredient that merit further review.

Animal studies have shown that triclosan alters hormone regulation. However, data showing effects in animals don’t always predict effects in humans. Other studies in bacteria have raised the possibility that triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

In light of these studies, FDA is engaged in an ongoing scientific and regulatory review of this ingredient. FDA does not have sufficient safety evidence to recommend changing consumer use of products that contain triclosan at this time.

Of course, they wont publish their findings until Spring of 2011 so you can either avoid it or wait until the FDA releases another wishy washy statement about a chemical that is not really beneficial to humans or the environment.

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