From our Special Chem partners - here is their article recently about Triclosan - an ingredient used in MANY consumer products..
TORONTO, ON -- The first data on levels of the chemical triclosan were released recently to reveal widespread body pollution in Canadian adults. Seven of eight people tested had the antibacterial chemical in their bodies-with levels higher than those toxic to fish and algae.
Environmental Defence, which conducted the test, says the high prevalence of the chemical means it's time to ban it from household use. This backs up an earlier call from the Canadian Medical Association, due to fears its widespread use contributes to antibiotic-resistant "superbugs."
Triclosan is an anti-bacterial chemical originally used in medical settings. But now it is found in hundreds of products, including hand sanitizers, toothpaste, household items, makeup and even smartphone cases. This is worrisome given it is also a known endocrine disruptor-interfering with the human body's natural hormones. Many endocrine disruptors have been linked to thyroid problems and cancer.
On March 30, Health Canada and Environment Canada published a preliminary assessment of triclosan on the Chemical Substances website, commencing a 60-day public comment period. The assessment declared that found it can cause harm to the environment.
Environmental Defence has long called for better controls on toxic chemicals such as triclosan, and has successfully advocated banning BPA in baby bottles and phthalates in toys.
Now it's turning its attention to triclosan, which contaminates the environment as it is washed down drains to pollute rivers and lakes. It is toxic to fish, amphibians and rats, where it mimics thyroid hormones. This raises questions about its harm to human health. In addition, when it breaks down, it can produce the human carcinogens chloroform, and dioxins, one of the most toxic groups of substances known.
"Every time we wash our hands or brush our teeth with triclosan, more of this hormone-disrupting chemical goes down the drain. That's bad news for people and bad news for the environment and why it's time for a household ban," said Smith.
Now, there is a lot of conflicting information out there about this ingredient and it's impact on both consumers and the environment. IF you are concerned, use this link to determine if the products you use today have this ingredient.
For FDA information, please check here
Here is an article in the New York Times on the same topic.
PLEASE NOTE: NONE of LocustGroves products contain Triclosan