Daily Brief: 2016.12.28
THREAT ANALYSIS
Triclosan Ban
According to reports, Minnesota’s ban on soaps containing the germ-killer triclosan is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2017. Minnesota is the first state in the nation to prohibit the sale and production of triclosan. In September of this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), instituted its ban on certain antibacterial chemicals, including triclosan, although the law will be effective starting September 2017.
(Sources: CBS News, Boston Globe, Inquisitr)
Triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products intended to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It is one of the most prevalent antibacterial compounds found in products. Studies have increasingly linked triclosan to a range of adverse health and environmental effects from skin irritation, endocrine disruption, bacterial and compounded antibiotic resistance, to the contamination of water and its negative impact on fragile aquatic ecosystems.
(Sources: Beyond Pesticides, FDA)
Triclosan will reportedly remain in certain toothpastes, this is because triclosan was demonstrated to be effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis. Given this, the FDA found that, based on scientific evidence, the balance of benefit and risk is favorable for certain toothpastes.
(Source: New York Times)
ACTION STEPS
- To learn more about the Food and Drug Administration September ruling, please click on the following link.
- If an over the counter drug contains triclosan, it should be listed as an ingredient on the label, in the Drug Facts box. If a cosmetic contains triclosan, it should be included in the ingredient list on the product label.
- If a consumer wants to use a hand sanitizer product when soap and water isn’t available, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
(Sources: Mayo Clinic, FDA)