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- Triclosan and triclocarban are chlorinated aromatic compounds highly soluble in water.
- They are registered as a pesticide with the Environmental Protection Agency since 1969, and used in personal care products and detergents, to name a few, as a means to slow down or stop the growth of bacteria, fungi and mildew.
- Research proves that this active agent is highly toxic to aquatic life.
- A study in young male rats proves that it disrupts thyroid functioning in low dosage levels.
- Ongoing research is being conducted on its effect on human beings. We do however know that extensive use of this chemical as an anti-bacterial allows bacteria to become resistant to it making antibiotics meant to cure related diseases completely ineffective.
- Research has proven that plain soap and water to clean and wash do the job as well as one that claims anti-bacterial action, making this an unnecessary ingredient in our personal care products.
- Found in:
- Soaps, toothpastes, hair products, underarm deodorants, mouthwashes and household sanitising products
- Read the label for:
- “Active ingredient”, “anti-bacterial” and “odour-fighting”
- Problems associated with it:
- Liver and inhalation toxicity, hypothyroidism, oestrogen dominance/excess oestrogen, endocrine disrupter (chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife), hormonal disorders in children, reduced immunity, allergies
- Pronounced ‘thalates’, they are salts or esters of phthalic acid.
- Phthalates are used in a variety of personal care products as fragrances – to make them linger.
- They are also used as a lubricant in cosmetics.
- Commonly found in plastic food and drink containers they are also present in our food and water (from pesticides sprayed on our food), in dairy products and meats, plastic toys and medical instruments amongst a host of other consumer products.
- Phthalates are thought to mimic, displace and disrupt our hormones, which subsequently lead to imbalances in our body.
- The two phthalates most extensively used in cosmetics are: Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) Diethyl phthalate (DEP).
- Found in:
- Perfume, fragranced lotions, body washes and hair care products, talc, deodorant, nail polish and treatment as well as hair spray.
- Even products labeled “unscented” contain phthalates as a chemical scent masking agent
