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Antibacterial gels and products: are they good for the health?

Credits: Gadini - Pixabay
Antibacterial gels and products: are they good for the health?
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In the “Florence Statement”, published in 2017 by the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives”, 200 researchers, scientists and doctors coming from 29 different countries alerted the global population to the health risks posed by two ingredients used in numerous hygiene and cosmetic products. Suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer, we are talking about triclosan and triclocarban, the antiseptics present (among other ingredients) in antibacterial gels. So what are the health risks?

Toxic substances present in over 2,000 products

According to the Florence Statement, triclosan and triclocarban are used as antimicrobials, a type of chemical present in over 2,000 products: soaps, toothpastes, detergents, clothing, toys, carpets, plastics, paints, and more…

However, triclosan and triclocarban are toxic for aquatic life and living organisms in general. The statement compiles the evidence of the impact of these substances on humans and on various ecosystems, as well as recommendations for preventing the damage that could be done in the future.

The problem is that these toxic and carcinogenic substances end up in the environment, in our water, in our animals and even in human blood and mothers’ milk. 

Total ban in the United States, and a partial ban in Europe

These two substances have been banned in the United States since September 2016, as they are suspected of being endocrine disruptors. In the long term, they could:

  • promote the development of breast cancer
  • alter sperm or affect the reproductive system
  • harm fertility or foetal development

Given that traces can be found in breast milk, in human blood or in aquatic plants, the authors of the study appealed to the international community to limit the production and usage of triclosan and triclocarban, and to query the use of other antimicrobials. 

A damaging delay in Europe

At the heart of the European Union, triclosan has been banned since 2014, but only in shaving products.

However, it is authorised in:

  1. cosmetic products (with a maximum concentration of 0.3%)
  2. mouthwashes (0.2%)
  3. bin bags
  4. toys
  5. certain textiles, etc.

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