http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/triclosan Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:09:17 -0800 pixel-app en http://www.yourlawyer.com/articles/read/11862 Mon, 05 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.yourlawyer.com/articles/read/11862
About 75 percent of a potent bacteria-killing chemical that people flush down their drains survives treatment at sewage plants, and most of that ends up in sludge spread on farm fields, according to Johns Hopkins University research. Every year, it says, an estimated 200 tons of two compounds; triclocarban and triclosan are applied to agricultural lands throughout the country.

The new findings add to the growing concerns of many scientists that the Environmental Protection Agency needs to address thousands of pharmaceuticals and consumer-product chemicals that wind up in the environment when they are flushed into sewers. The findings were published recently in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

From dishwashing soaps to cutting boards, about 1,500 new antibacterial consumer products containing the two chemicals have been introduced into the marketplace since 2000. Some experts worry that widespread use of such products may be helping turn some dangerous germs into "superbugs" that are resistant to antibiotics.

Triclocarban, an ingredient of antibacterial bar soaps and toothpaste, is "potentially problematic" because it breaks down slowly, which means it is accumulating in soil and perhaps water, said Rolf Halden, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University's department of environmental health sciences, who led the study.

"What we are finding is this chemical is building up in the environment," Halden said. "This is an example of an emerging contaminant. It has been in the environment for almost five decades, and we manufacture large volumes of it, but we don't know what happens to it."

Triclosan, which is more abundant because it is used in liquid soaps, has been detected in human breast milk and fish in streams in Europe.]]> http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/triclosan Mon, 05 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/triclosan Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical used in toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, deodorant, cosmetics, lotion and cream. Triclosan is considered a pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is a chlorinated aromatic and contains one or more benzene rings with one or more chlorine atoms bound to carbon atoms, a chemical formula similar to toxins such as PCBs and dioxins. Triclosan in clothing and plastics is marketed as Microban, and in acrylic fibers as Biofresh.

Triclosan Dangers
Triclosan may be cancer-causing by itself and/or in combination with other substances.  In combination with water, it can produce chloroform gas that when inhaled can cause liver problems, depression and cancer.  It is suspected that sunlight can transform triclosan to dioxin naturally.  Additionally, the proliferation of products containing triclosan and other antimicrobials has prompted concern from the medical community about resistant bacteria.  The FDA held hearings in October 2005 about antibacterial soaps and concluded that they do not reduce the risk of illness and infection in the home.

Products Containing Triclosan (incomplete list)
Liquid Hand/Face Soaps: Dial, Softsoap, Clearasil, Clean & Clear, pHisoderm, DermaKleen
Toothpastes & Mouthwashes: Colgate Total, Reach Antibacterial Toothbrushes, Breeze Triclosan Mouthwash
Deodorants: Old Spice High Endurance Stock Deodorant, Right Guard Sport Deodorant
Cosmetics: Supre Cafe Bronzer, TotalSkinCare Makeup Kit, Garden Botanika Powder Foundation, Mavala Lip Base, Jason Natural Cosmetics, Blemish Cover Stock, Movate Skin Lightening Cream HQ, Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb, Revlon ColorStay LipShine Lipcolor, Dazzle
Shaving Products: Gillette Complete Skin Care MultiGel Aerosol Shave Gel, Murad Acne Complex Kit, Diabet-x Cream, T.Taio sponges and wipes, Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
Dish Soaps/Household Cleaners: Dawn, Ajax, mop heads
Additional Products: first aid sprays, germ-free cutting boards, utensils, plastics, children's toys, clothing, footwear, various consumer products

Triclosan Victims' Rights
If you or a loved one suffered due to a product containing triclosan, contact Parker & Waichman, LLP today by filling out the form at the right or calling us at 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636). We provide a free case consultation with a qualified pollutants lawyer.]]>