Ask Wal-Mart to Wash its Hands of Toxic Triclosan
|
But hold it right there: Researchers warn that triclosan, a chemical used as an antimicrobial and preservative, acts as an endocrine disruptor. Exposure to endocrine disruptors can lead to early puberty, serious reproductive issues and breast cancer. Triclosan's hormone-mimicking behavior could also be responsible for harming aquatic wildlife, since this chemical is washed into our waterways. A 2001 study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found triclosan (or triclocarban, which is very similar and also used as an antibacterial in cosmetics) in 76 percent of liquid soaps and 29 percent of bar soaps on the market. The study also found that there are few documented benefits of triclosan (ref. 1, below). Given the possibility for microbial resistance, widespread consumer use is worth questioning. The Skin Deep cosmetic safety database assigns triclosan a hazard rating of 7 (with 10 being the highest hazard rating and 0 the lowest) because of its links to cancer and endocrine disruption, and its ability to irritate organs and bioaccumulate (meaning build up and linger in humans or the ecosystem). Triclosan is restricted for use in Canada and Japan, and the European Union labels it “irritating to eyes and skin; dangerous for the environment; very toxic to aquatic organisms.” Even the FDA has expressed concern about the use of triclosan in products that are not immediately washed off the skin. So why is triclosan in L’Oreal skin cream, Johnson & Johnson's Kids' Hand Soap, Ahava Aftershave and countless other products used daily by men, women and children in the United States? Because cosmetics companies can use ingredients that cause harm and/or have never been tested, and retailers can sell products that contain these risky ingredients — and it's all legal, according to the U.S. government. Our advice for cold season: wash your hands frequently with triclosan-free soap and warm water. Our advice for long-term health: Ask a mega-retailer to help stem the demand for products that contain triclosan. Even if the U.S. FDA has no real power at the moment, Wal-Mart and its huge buying power do. E-mail the company and ask the retailer to add triclosan to the list of hazardous chemicals addressed under its new Business Sustainability plan. Take it another step: Add your own comments and contact info to the letter, if you feel comfortable doing so, and deliver it to a Wal-Mart near you. Ask to meet with the store manager to hand-deliver the letter, and request that he or she pass the letter on to regional managers. (1) Perencevich, Wong and Harris. 2001 American Journal of Infection Control v29 n5 pp281-283 |
Triclosan: It may not be a household word, but there is little to no chance that you haven’t come into direct contact with it in your home – while washing your hands, brushing your teeth or applying deodorant or face cream. Now that cold season is in full effect, the so-called antibacterial soaps in which triclosan is often found may seem like a great idea.