How Do You Avoid Exposure To Triclosan?
You may not even be aware of the chemical triclosan, but it might be in your toothpaste, mouthwash, hand soap, deodorant, or shaving cream. Studies have shown triclosan to be a possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor, and it has been linked to resistant strains of bacteria as well. While you shouldn’t panic just because you’ve been using products with triclosan in them, you may want to use this guide to help you avoid triclosan containing products in the future. First, check your hand soap. A number of antibacterial hand soaps–and even face washes–contain triclosan, which kills bacteria on the skin’s surface. However, studies have shown that regular hand soap, when used correctly, can be just as effective at killing bacteria as antibacterial soaps with triclosan. Also, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are great at killing bacteria, and do not contribute to resistant strains. Next, take a look at the label on your toothpaste and mouthwash. Some gingivitis-fighting toothpastes or “Tot