SDA Defends Safety of Triclosan

10 January 2005 00:01  [Source: ICB Americas]

A recent report from the activist group, Beyond Pesticides, attacking the safety of key antibacterial ingredient triclosan found in some consumer products is said to be nothing more than a false alarm, according to the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA).

SDA rebutted the group’s claims that triclosan promotes antibiotic re-sistance and poses health and environmental risks. “The activist group’s report is little more than a false alarm that could unnecessarily scare consumers,” the SDA says. “Triclosan has been safely and effectively used in hygiene products for nearly 40 years.”

The SDA emphasized the availability of data from several governmental agencies and says none have identified resistance associated with the use of antibacterial products as a concern under conditions of use. The SDA also says no credible evidence has also been presented to date that triclosan could pose any risk.

Beyond Pesticides claims that triclosan could be converted into the highly carcinogenic dioxin and could find its way into the human body as well as in waterways.

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly