Research raises concerns about antibacterial chemical

By Lyndsey Layton
The Washington Post
Posted: 04/09/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT



The antibacterial chemical triclosan is found in bar and liquid soaps, along with many other consumer products.

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration said recent research raises "valid concerns" about the possible health effects of triclosan, an antibacterial chemical found in liquid and bar soaps, hand sanitizers, dishwashing liquids, shaving gels and even socks, workout clothes and toys.
The FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency say they are taking a fresh look at triclosan, which is so ubiquitous that it is found in the urine of 75 percent of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The reassessment is the latest signal that the Obama administration is willing to re-evaluate the health impacts of chemicals that have been in widespread use.
In a letter to Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., who has pushed for greater regulation, the FDA said recent scientific studies raise questions about whether triclosan disrupts the body's endocrine system and whether it helps to create bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
Triclosan was developed as a surgical scrub for medical professionals. It is also used in pesticides. In recent years, it has been added to consumer products to kill bacteria and fungus and prevent odors. It can be found in everything from kitchen cutting boards to shoes, often packaged with labels that tout "antibacterial" properties.
Most hand sanitizers, such as Purell, use alcohol and do not contain triclosan.