The FDA Bans Triclosan in Anti-bacterial Soaps

The FDA recently issued a rule banning triclosan and more than a dozen other chemicals commonly used in antibacterial soaps. This will affect a large number of products. “If the product makes antibacterial claims, chances are pretty good that it contains one of these ingredients,” according to an FDA spokeswoman. Companies have a year to comply with the new rule. Triclosan is the trade name for 5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol. It’s manufactured from the same raw material as 2,4-D, a component of the infamous Vietnam-era defoliant, Agent Orange. According to the FDA, antibacterial soaps are no better at preventing infection or illness than washing with soap and water. Advocates of natural health have been saying this for years. Many so-called “germs” are essential to the body’s optimal bacteria balance. They act as probiotics for the gut and skin; are naturally anti-inflammatory; and boost the immune system.

Should We All Soon Stop Bathing And Instead Use Probiotics for the Skin?

Will human beings soon stop bathing and instead use pro-biotics for the skin? Meanwhile, must we try to kill every germ on us, good or bad, with triclosan?

Minnesota Becomes First State to Ban Triclosan in Antibacterial Soap

Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bill to make Minnesota the first state to prohibit the use of triclosan in most retail hygiene products, including antibacterial soaps. The FDA estimates that the antibacterial agent can be found in 75 percent of antibacterial liquid soaps and body washes. Issues that have raised concern about antibacterial soaps include its role in the development of super-bugs, environmental concerns, and human exposure risks.

NBC Dateline Investigates Hormone Disruptors

Dateline producer Andrea Canning wanted to see how her daily behavior could affect the levels of bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and triclosan in her urine. What she finds will shock you!
First, she found her baseline numbers, which were around the national average. Then she tried to eliminate these chemicals from her daily use—ate fresh fruits […]

The Soap You Should Never Use – But 75% of Households Do

by Dr. Mercola

The main compounds in antibiotic wipes, creams and soaps — triclosan and triclocarban — have been added to chopping boards, refrigerators, plastic lunchboxes, and mattresses in an attempt to halt the spread of microbes.

But studies show that these antibiotic chemicals are no more likely than regular soap to prevent gastrointestinal or respiratory […]

Washing Your Hands Too Much Could Destroy Your Life

Health Impact News Editor Comments:

Dr. Mercola has published an article today about the dangers of washing your hands with antibiotic soaps: “4 of the Most Dangerous Myths About Washing Your Hands.” In this article he discusses how the use of antibacterial soaps are now tied to a public health crisis:

“Did you know that […]