A necessary tidbit before the next posting:
Antibacterial Soap Ingredient Triclosan May be Harmful to Humans
Triclosan, widely used as an antibacterial ingredient in household hand
sterilization products, breaks down rapidly when exposed to chlorinated
water and produces toxic chemicals including chloroform, according to a
study published on the Environmental Science & Technology research
website As Soon As Publishable (ASAP), suggesting that many
antibacterial products may not only be ineffective, but harmful.
What you need to know - Conventional View
€ A previous study demonstrated that pure triclosan reacts with free
chlorine to produce chloroform, a toxic chemical and probable
carcinogen.
€ This 2005 study led to the removal of all triclosan-containing
products from the British chain Marks & Spencer, as well as all
triclosan-containing toothpaste from stores in China.
€ In the new study, the same researchers from the Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University tested 16 household
products, including lotions, soaps and body washes. All the products
containing triclosan produced either chloroform or other chlorine
byproducts when exposed to tap water.
€ The researchers found that people using these products would be
exposed to chloroform levels 40 percent higher than that found in tap
water.
€ Triclosan decomposes into chlorine byproducts in as little as one
minute when exposed to chlorinated water at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a
temperature commonly reached in household use. This led the researchers
to question whether triclosan-containing soaps even provide the
purported anti-bacterial benefit.
Quote: "At fairly low levels of chlorine, the triclosan degrades
rapidly [into chlorine byproducts]." - Researcher Peter Vikesland
What you need to know - Alternative View
Statements and opinions by Mike Adams, executive director of the
Consumer Wellness Center
€ What this groundbreaking study reveals is that antibacterial
products containing triclosan are a hoax. This chemical is proving to
be a real threat to human health, and that doesn't even include the
fact that it can accelerate the breeding of antibiotic-resistant
superbugs.
€ I strongly advise consumers to avoid purchasing antibacterial
products made with triclosan. Use natural products containing tea tree
oil or other herbal ingredients that are naturally antibacterial.
Resources you need to know
€ Worldwatch Institute page on triclosan: <a
href=
"http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1501">
www.worldwatch.org/node/1501</a>
Bottom line
Antibacterial ingredient triclosan degrades rapidly when exposed to
chlorinated tap water, producing potentially toxic byproducts.
--
jesse_...@mac.com
www.politiconduit.org