Triclosan

The chemical triclosan is a synthetic antimicrobial/antibacterial agent whose use has become widespread in toothpastes and mouthwashes, deodorants, cosmetics, fabrics, plastics and other products. No data has demonstrated that antibacterials provide any additional benefits over using ordinary soaps and water when it comes to protecting against viral infectious diseases. Research has rather shown that triclosan may have several negative health effects; it can cause allergies and asthma by weakening the immune system; it disrupts the hormonal system; it can bioaccumulate; and, it belongs to a class of chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer in humans. Studies have also shown that when triclosan is exposed to sunlight in water it may convert into the potent toxic chemical dioxin.