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Facts About Triclosan That Consumers Should Be Aware Of

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Are you aware of triclosan and several facts about it? Triclosan is an effectual ingredient that is supplemented with several consumer products to minimize or prevent the occurrence of bacterial contamination. It is usually found in various products like cleansers, furniture, paints, toys, antiseptics, cosmetics like deodorants, and many other general use products that are regulated by the FDA. It plays a crucial role in all these products as an antibacterial agent or as a preservative.

As a matter of fact, Triclosan is not recognized as hazardous to the consumers of the products, in which it is known to be present. However, various scientific investigations have revealed a different perspective, after the last analysis that was performed by the FDA on this ingredient. The studies and experiments on animals state that triclosan effectively alters the hormonal regulation in their body. However, the experiments that show effect in the animals do not always predict the same results with humans. Some studies with bacteria have increased the possibility of the contribution of triclosan in formulating the bacteria resistant to several antibiotics. As a result, FDA is investing efforts in reviewing this ingredient scientifically.

Benefits of Triclosan in consumer products

In spite of all the prevailing controversies, triclosan proves to be beneficial when present in consumer products. The FDA regulations have recognized its effectiveness in useful products like Colgate Total toothpaste for preventing the occurrence of gingivitis. However, FDA yet doesn’t have any evidence that triclosan is beneficial to health. But it is still widely used in various daily use products as an effective antibacterial agent.

Facts to be known about Triclosan

  • In spite of all the studies and controversies, triclosan is not considered hazardous to humans.
  •  As such, the FDA doesn’t have sufficient evidence regarding any harmful effects of triclosan to introduce any modifications in the applications of the consumer products and federal health insurance policy. FDA is in process of reviewing all the evidence that is available on the safety of this ingredient and planning to offer the findings to the public at the earliest.
  • To date, the FDA is unable to find evidence regarding the benefits of triclosan when added to body soaps and washes. Hence, it is advisable for consumers to use regular soap for washing, cleaning hands, and bathing.
  • The consumers are even advised to check with the product label to get to know whether it contains the presence of triclosan.

Identify whether your product contains triclosan

It is easy to identify whether the product you are about to purchase contains triclosan or not. Check for the triclosan on the cover of the product. If it is present, then it will be listed as one of the ingredients on the cover or label, more precisely in the Drug Facts box. The same is the case with cosmetic products. You will find triclosan present in the ingredient list on the label of the product if that cosmetic contains triclosan. So as per the FDA regulations, checkout whether triclosan is present in the product before you buy it.

Also, FDA is engaged in offering the latest information and modifications to appropriately govern the applications of triclosan in several widely used consumer products. It is equally essential for the public to know the benefits and side-effects of triclosan and hence FDA is expected to offer up-to-date information soon.