Antibacterial Soap/Cosmetics Ingredient(s) Possibly Harmful (Triclosan)

Studies are increasingly showing possible harmful effects of Triclosan, commonly used in antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes and more:

(Addition 2014-11) Triclosan ... causes liver fibrosis and cancer in mice (November 17, 2014)

(Additions 2014-09) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140903121858.htm
Exposure of pregnant women to certain phenols may disrupt growth of boys during fetal development and first years of life (September 3, 2014)
"Medical researchers have found that exposure to certain common phenols during pregnancy, especially parabens and triclosan, may disrupt growth of boys during fetal growth and the first years of life. Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and healthcare products and triclosan are an antibacterial agent and pesticide found in some toothpastes and soaps"

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140512101410.htm
Endocrine disruptors impair human sperm function (May 12, 2014)
"A plethora of endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with human sperm function in a way that may have a negative impact on fertilization, according to new research ... the anti-bacterial agent Triclosan used in toothpaste ... showed adverse actions"

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140423102756.htm
In lab tests, the antimicrobial ingredient triclosan spurs growth of breast cancer cells (April 23, 2014)
"Some manufacturers are turning away from using triclosan as an antimicrobial ingredient in soaps, toothpastes and other products over health concerns. And now scientists are reporting new evidence that appears to support these worries. Their study ... found that triclosan, as well as another commercial substance called octylphenol, promoted the growth of human breast cancer cells in lab dishes and breast cancer tumors in mice"

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140408074944.htm
Antimicrobial from soaps promotes bacteria buildup in human noses (April 8, 2014)
"An antimicrobial agent [Triclosan] found in common household soaps, shampoos and toothpastes may be finding its way inside human noses where it promotes the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and could predispose some people to infection"

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130919154433.htm
Antibacterial products fuel resistant bacteria in streams and rivers (September 19, 2013)
"Triclosan -- a synthetic antibacterial widely used in personal care products -- is fueling the development of resistant bacteria in streams and rivers"

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130617122146.htm
Chemical in Antibacterial Soap Fed to Nursing Rats Harms Offspring, Study Finds (June 17, 2013)
"A mother's exposure to triclocarban, a common antibacterial chemical, while nursing her babies shortens the life of her female offspring, a new study in rats finds"

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130122111658.htm
Antibacterial Agent Used in Common Soaps Found in Increasing Amounts in Freshwater Lakes (Jan. 22, 201)
A new University of Minnesota study determined that the common antibacterial agent, called triclosan, used in soaps and many other products is found in increasing amounts in several Minnesota freshwater lakes ... the researchers found an increasing amount of other chemical compounds, called chlorinated triclosan derivatives, that form when triclosan is exposed to chlorine during the wastewater disinfection process. When exposed to sunlight, triclosan and its chlorinated derivatives form dioxins that have potential toxic effects in the environment. These dioxins were also found in the lakes.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121114083815.htm
Triclosan in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Can Increase Allergy Risk (Nov. 14, 2012)
Triclosan -- an antibacterial chemical found in toothpaste and other products -- can contribute to an increased risk of allergy development in children. This comes from the Norwegian Environment and Childhood Asthma Study, in which the Norwegian Institute of Public Health is involved. Similar results are reported in the USA.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121025140812.htm
Triclosan -- Harmful to Ecological Status of Rivers -- Needs to Be Monitored, Researchers Say
(Oct. 25, 2012)
Researchers from Germany and Slovakia have pointed out that the chemical triclosan is one of those substances that are particularly harmful to the ecological status of rivers that are still not sufficiently monitored

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120813155515.htm
Chemical Widely Used in Antibacterial Hand Soaps May Impair Muscle Function (Aug. 13, 2012)
Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical widely used in hand soaps and other personal-care products, hinders muscle contractions at a cellular level, slows swimming in fish and reduces muscular strength in mice

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120619092933.htm
Antibacterials in Personal-Care Products Linked to Allergy Risk in Children (June 19, 2012)

More: http://www.sciencedaily.com/search/?keyword=Triclosan

The FDA is apparently also re-reviewing the safety of Triclosan.