Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Tuesdays with Michelle: What's Triclosan?

  Simply put, Triclosan is a pesticide... a toxic chemical...    


  ...And it can be found in every day items such as hand soap, hand sanitizers, antimicrobial plastics (labeled as "Microban"), deordorant, make-up, and toothpaste just to name a few.


  I had never heard of it until a few weeks ago when the Yahoo home page posted an article on it.  Right away I checked some of my product labels and found out that it was an ingredient in our toothpaste and Beau's face wash.  We are now proud users of Trader Joe's Antiplaque Toothpaste with Fennel, Propolis, and Myrrh {it's fluoride-free and we only pay a little over $2 at the store, I don't know why Amazon is selling it so expensive!} 


  Studies show that Triclosan can disrupt normal Thyroid and hormonal function, cause birth defects, and antibiotic resistance.  Studies also prove that Triclosan is easily absorbed into the body; it is found in breast milk of every 3 out of 5 women.  {So all my pregnant friends out there, please read your ingredient labels!}


  With this basic knowledge under our belt, there's no wonder why our society is having so many issues with conceiving and crazy mutated bacterias causing severe illnesses - And this is only one of the many chemicals we touch, eat, and breath every day.


  It's scary to know that the FDA and EPA are aware of this chemical's potential side effects, but still haven't done much about it.  There are on-going tests and trials, and blah blah blah but the least we can do is take action ourselves and rid our homes of this toxic substance.


  There are many many many articles regarding Triclosan, just google and you will be amazed at the info out there.  


  Now that I have got your attention, what household items have you found that contain Triclosan?  Are you going to replace it with a Natural substitute?  Share your ideas so we can all benefit! 



   
Here is a very informative article about Triclosan.

This is a very in-depth research paper published by Tufts Medical.



{FYI: I am in no way an expert on this issue.  Please do your own research and determine what is best for you and your family}

1 comment:

  1. Great post Michelle. So many people take for granted that what's ever in a package, it must be OK. It is no surprise that cancer rates and just about everything else is off the map. People need to be informed and the internet is full of great ideas. People need to take advantage of that vast pool of information. Then talk about it to friends. Life is too short and we can make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others if we speak out and speak up. Get involved with groups that prsssure the government to take action. We need to live our lives in order to create a greater good that goes beyind ourelves, so that we can leave a beter world behind us.

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