From the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website:

The Food and Drug Administration said recent research raises “valid concerns” about the possible health effects of triclosan, an antibacterial chemical found in 76% of hand soaps.

Two years ago, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics supporters sent Walmart thousands of e-mails asking the retail giant to help stem the demand for products that contain triclosan, an antimicrobial chemical common in personal care products and cleaning products. (A 2001 study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found triclosan in 76 percent of liquid soaps and 29 percent of bar soaps on the market).

Why should we be concerned with triclosan?

For one triclosan disrupts hormones, builds up in body fat and may interfere with other important hormonal and cell signals.

Triclosan is registered as a pesticide at the EPA, but it’s probably in your hand soap and might be in your toothpaste because cosmetics companies aren’t barred by the FDA from using ingredients linked to harm or that have never been assessed for adverse health effects.

And the kicker….

The Centers for Disease Control found no evidence that triclosan it is any more effective than regular soap and water at killing bacteria.

So why hasn’t it been pulled from the market? That’s exactly what Campaign for Safe Cosmetics supporters have been trying to do and who better to make a statement, than the retail giant Walmart. Two years ago thousands of these supporters sent emails to Walmart asking for their help and once again they are asking for the public’s support.

Help get this nasty, dangerous chemical away from our children and our environment and get it off the shelves. Ask your suppliers to stop selling triclosan.

Gina Solomon: “Antibacterial Soaps” Buyer Beware (Huffingtonpost.com)

Triclosan: What Consumers Should Know (FDA.GOV)

Related posts:

1. Confused About Dangerous Cosmetic Chemicals? Get This Healthy Skin Care Guide
2. How dangerous are your personal care products?
3. Dead Sea Mud and Salt For Handmade Soap