Generally people use antibacterial soap in the hopes of staving off disease. But more and more evidence shows that the chief ingredient in antibacterial soaps might be interfering significantly with our hormones.
About 3/4 of all antibacterial soaps contain Triclosan, a compound which is also found in toothpaste and deodorant.
But in 1972 Triclosan was placed in a list of substances to be banned by the FDA, although a decision was never made.
Triclosan however, is now shown to interfere greatly with hormone production and balance, in thyroid function and sex hormone thus contributing to a number of conditions, including infertility.
In 2010, the European Union banned Triclosan in instances when its production causes it to come in contact with food, or its use in proximity of food production, to avoid cross contamination of foodstuff with Triclosan.
Recent animal studies, furthermore, have confirmed Triclosan's effect on hormonal balance in the body.
The Canadian government has already declared the chemical toxic to the environment. In the U.S., hospitals have already started to ban voluntarily Triclosan containing chemicals.
Watchdog groups have pressured the FDA to release the finding of a long term study on Triclosan, but the agency has only promised to make a decision and publish its finding sometime in late 2016.
Source : Al Jazeera/ 5.27.13
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