Paul Burns/Getty Images
READ MORE ABOUT:
We all want to be careful about bacteria and viruses as flu season approaches, but the overuse of anti-microbial products can lead to "super-bugs" that are resistant to medications. Even if you've kicked antibacterial soap to the curb, many of the items in your home may contain a hidden antibacterial and antifungal agent called Triclosan.
Triclosan is found in a huge number of products, including soaps, toothpastes, cosmetics, laundry detergents, footwear, clothing, toys, facial tissues, adhesives, and pesticides. But you may not know you're even using triclosan because it's marketed under several names, including:
About three-quarters of Americans have detectable levels of triclosan in their urine, and people in their 30s and among the highest household income bracket tested for the highest levels of the bactericide. Urine detection isn't necessarily cause for concern--it simply means they body is filtering the product. But other studies show the chemical may not be as harmless as we once thought.
A study of 36 mothers found those who used toothpaste, deodorant or soap containing triclosan had higher levels of the chemical in their breast milk than mothers who did not use personal care products containing triclosan. (The study also analyzed triclosan levels in plasma and found they were higher than those in the milk.) Another study also showed that triclosan lowers body temperature and has a "nonspecific depressant effect on the central nervous system."
And it's not just potentially harmful for humans. Triclosan is highly toxic to some types of algae and Japanese medaka fish (in early life stage), and it bioaccumulates in fish. It also accelerates the rate at which tadpoles grow into frogs, and has been found in the blood of bottlenose dolphins.
How can you avoid triclosan?
Being aware of triclosan and its brand names will help you identify products that contain the organic chemical.
It won't always be easy--there aren't ingredient lists for toys and household products. But before you buy a new item, a quick online search of the product name and the triclosan brand names can often tell you if the item contains the chemical.
To get you started, here are some of the products that contain Microban:
- Some models of Kenmore refrigerators (in the crisper bins)
- Rubbermaid hard-sided coolers and sinkware draining pans
- Spa liners manufactured by 17 companies
- J-Cloth towels
- Infantino shopping cart covers and baby carriers
- Petmate plastic pet products and toys
- Canopy Performance bath towels
- DuPont water filters and water pitchers
- iSkin iPod protectors
- Ticonderoga pencils
- FreshOne mouth guards
- Rush ski vests, personal flotation devices, wetsuits
- PhysiciansCare first aid kits
- ...and more
Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of Naturally Savvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.
More on Triclosan:
Price of your Cosmetics: Male Hormone Imbalances
Quick Tip: Don't Use Antibacterial Soap
Canadian Medical Association Calls for Ban on Triclosan
-
- {}
