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Toothpaste, mouthwash, soap and "hand cleansers" are among those products we use every day containing the dangerous antibacterial triclosan. I've written about the concerns with these antibacterial products before in my post entitled Triclosan -- Avoid It!. Here's yet another reason to stop using these products. A study at the University of California at Davis indicates high levels of triclosan may impair the ability of the heart and skeletal muscles to contract. The authors expect that this would only be a possibility for those who have an existing heart condition, but why take chances. A chemical that has already been found to be creating super bugs and is suspect in cancer isn't worth having in our homes.
Speaking of the super bugs, antibiotic type medications for TB are just one of the treatments that arebecoming less and less effective because of the new strains of organisms that have developed because of our use of the antibacterial products. As the NIH puts it, "TB bacteria evolve to outwit the TB antibiotics". Many of our old time antibiotics are no longer effective. Some health experts are calling this a serious health crisis. There are plenty of products out there without these dangerous antibacterials in their ingredients. Shop around and, as they say, be apart of the solution.
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As we head into winter and cold season here in New Jersey it's tempting to pull out the antibacterial soaps. Triclosan was originally created for the health care setting. It’s an antibacterial (see my 10/9 post), a disinfectant and it has some antiviral and antifungal properties too. As its use moved into the mainstream, it’s been insidiously added to all kinds of products. It's a dangerous substance and you want to eliminate it from your home.
According to the material safety data Sheet (MSDS) for triclosan it’s irritating to the eyes and skin, very toxic to aquatic organisms, to the extent that it may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. Is this something you want to wash your hands with? Ok, so it’s diluted in some pretty smelling hand soap. The soap a million other people are using. All of it going down the drain. Maybe into a water system or a well, probably into an aquifer or the local stream. Over 95% of triclosan uses are in homes or offices where the disposal is down the drain. Triclosan is not removed in water treatment plants. Gee, could this be related to the reduced aquatic life we’re experiencing? Then we drink the water. More from the MSDS- Keep away from foodstuffs in transport, environmentally hazardous (marine pollutant). Ok, enough of this. It’s a hazardous chemical, a pesticide. After it’s mixed into a product for daily use it’s still a problem. It’s been strongly linked (not conclusively mind you) to abnormalities in the endocrine system, birth defects, extreme weight loss, skin irritation (well, the manufacturer’s MSDS does say that, doesn’t it?), allergy susceptibility, antibiotic resistance , etc. etc. Scrutinize your disinfectants, hand soaps, mouthwash and body care products. It may also be labeled as Microban® in plastics or clothing, or Biofresh ® in acrylic. Here’s just a sampling of the common products that contain triclosan: Softsoap® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap Dial® Liquid Soap Clearasil® Daily Face Wash; pHisoderm Antibacterial Skin CVS Antibacterial Soap Dawn® Complete Antibacterial Dish Liquid, Ajax® Antibacterial Dish Liquid. Colgate Total® Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation; Jason Natural Cosmetics Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Old Spice High Endurance Stick Deodorant, Right Guard Sport Deodorant It is also in products labelled as "Microban" For a more extensive list see Beyond Pesticides. |
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- Holistic Health
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Natural Food
- Community Supported Gardens, Co-ops & Natural Food Delivery
- Farms Open to the Public/Farm Stands/Pick Your Own
- Farmer's Markets
- Gardening Support, Education & Resources
- Health Food Stores & Whole Food Specialty Shops
- Restaurants - OrganicFood/Local Produce/Juice Bars
- Personal Chefs & Natural Cooking Classes
- Green Living
- Blogs
- Links
- Advertise