Triclosan is harmful!

Professor M Zahidul Haque, Department of Agricultural Extension & Information System, Sher-e-Bangla
Triclosan is a chemical used in cosmetics and in many common household products including toothpastes, deodorants, etc. Because of its antibacterial properties triclosan is also used as an active ingredient in many anti-microbial creams and lotions. But it has been revealed through research that triclosan, a cholorophenol can combine with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform gas that can cause human cancer. The United States and the United Kingdom have classified triclosan as a probable human carcinogen. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has listed triclosan as a pesticide. Recently, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) banned the use of cosmetic products, toothpastes containing triclosan. In Bangladesh, cosmetics, toothpastes, anti-septic creams containing triclosan are freely used. I strongly feel that the competent authorities should take proper measures to stop the use of triclosan containing products.