Just how safe is triclosan?

Did you know you might have put a disinfectant ingredient in your mouth this morning? Yep, it’s possible. Go check the ingredients on your toothpaste. (Might not be on the tube; check the box.)

Innocent looking. But is triclosan in there?

Did you find triclosan on there? (There is other bad stuff too like sodium laurel sulfate, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring. But let’s major on the triclosan for now.)

Facts on Triclosan

Triclosan is considered a pesticide by the EPA.

Triclosan is a synthetic, broad-spectrum, anti-microbial agent that has recently become a common ingredient in soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, cosmetics, fabrics, plastics, and more. Studies have linked this chemical to skin irritation and allergy sensitivities among other nasty things we don’t want to happen in our bodies.

The European Union classifies it as an irritant to people and also a danger to the environment.

Triclosan may cause endocrine disruption in people according to the Environment Working Group’s “Skin Deep” database. Check out this post on the Ubiquitous Triclosan by Aviva Glaser.

A study was done in 2008 that was designed to determine what exposure to triclosan had occurred in a selection of children and adults living in the U.S. The results showed that triclosan was present in the urine of nearly 75 percent of those tested. Hmmm. Not very good news in my opinion.

So, check your personal care products: toothpaste, hand soap, shaving cream, etc. And be sure you are using products that are free of triclosan and other bad stuff. Here are some more thoughts on how chemical toxins are poisoning us.

Check the warning label on your toothpaste box. It might say: “If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.”

Hello? Poison Control Center for too much toothpaste? No thanks. I’ll stick with my Shaklee Dentrifice & other personal care products that I know are safe for the rest of me AND I have healthy teeth and gums and skin!

Be vigilant with every product you trust your body to. Your long term health depends on your good choices so please avoid triclosan.

Photo Source: Marc Samsom

Disclaimer: Remember that this information is not endorsed by the FDA and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Check with your health professional for all your medical concerns including the safety of triclosan.