Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent found in many consumer products, including soaps, detergents, toys and toothpastes. Its efficacy as an antimicrobial agent, its safety, and the risk of bacterial resistance remains controversial. Recently, the controversy has returned to the news. Here’s a recent article –
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-11/in-35-pages-buried-at-fda-worries-over-colgate-s-total.html
This article brings up its safety concern, linking Triclosan to cancer-cell growth and disrupted development in animals. The article discusses Colgate Total, a toothpaste containing Triclosan.
Health Canada states that triclosan is not harmful to human health, but in significant amounts, can cause harm to the environment.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2012/2012-48-eng.php
However, not everyone agrees with Health Canada. In May, Minnesota became the first US state to prohibit Triclosan in most retail consumer hygiene products.
So what does Colgate say in response to the safety concerns of Triclosan? Here is a letter they recently wrote regarding this issue:
V.2. CANADA.AUG2014.STATEMENT.Colgate Total Toothpaste and Triclosan
None the less, companies like Shoppers Drug Mart aren’t taking a chance, and pulling Colgate Total off their shelves.
I am by no means an expert on this, and am simply bringing information forward to my clients. I think we can all agree that more research needs to be done on Triclosan and its safety.
Melissa Skinner
