Canadian report calls for a ban on antibacterial chemicals found in consumer products
Posted July 10, 2014 7:13 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO (NEWS1130) – A new report says Canada should ban two antibacterial chemicals which are found in a host of consumer products ranging from hand soaps to plastic food containers.
The report, from the Canadian Environmental Law Association, also suggests Canada, the United States and all provinces and states bordering the Great Lakes should prohibit use of the chemicals, which have been found extensively in the important waterway.
The two products are triclosan and triclocarban, which are used alone and together in products such as toothpaste, body washes, bar soap, and even clothing.
Late last year, the US Food and Drug Administration announced it was reconsidering the safety of antibacterial soaps and other antibacterial personal care products because of concerns the chemicals may disrupt human hormones and contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.
In May, Minnesota made headlines when it banned triclosan.
The report calls triclosan a chemical of high concern and triclocarban a chemical that should be replaced with safer alternatives.
