Tricky Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that has been strongly linked to human hormone disruption, potentially leading to the development of non-descended testes in young males, breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, developmental effects on the nervous system in children, attention deficit /hyperactivity in children and thyroid cancer. 

In 2016 triclosan was banned by the US Federal Government from soaps and soap gels, hand gels and wipes. But you may still be exposed from an unexpected source - your toothpaste.

Toothpastes were not specifically named in the ban but, to their credit, most manufacturers have eliminated it from their products. But not all. 

Check the ingredients label on your toothpaste and if it contains this harmful ingredient toss it. Then toss your toothbrush too. Studies have shown that significant amounts of triclosan can accumulate on brushes over time and be released during brushing.