FDA bans 19 chemicals used in hand and body washes

On September 2nd 2016, the FDA issued a rule banning the use of 19 chemicals in hand and body washes. This ruling, 40 years in the making, ends the debate over whether or not these chemicals are safe. The ban includes triclosan, which is the most widely used chemical on the list.

Triclosan has been around since the 60's. It's a synthetic anti-bacterial found in soap, toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, and mouthwash. It's a hormone disruptor, linked to antibiotic resistance, and causes environmental damage. Triclosan has been detected in breast milk, blood, and urine samples. Once it's washed down the drain, it can stay in nature for decades. Triclosan has been found in lakes, streams, oceans, and even in house dust. This posts significant health risks to both humans and animals.

Companies have until September 2017 take these 19 ingredients out of their products or remove the products from the shelves. Many companies have already removed ingredients like triclosan but simply replaced it with other chemicals like benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, or chloroxylenol PCMX. These chemicals have been given an extension to remain on the market for another year while they are tested for safety. Who wants to buy products that haven't been tested for safety?

You can read the full ruling and see a list of all 19 chemicals on the Federal Register. The bottom line is we need to read labels on everything we buy. Stay away from products that contain triclosan or any of the banned chemicals. Clearly these companies are just going to replace chemicals with other chemicals and we end up being the guinea pigs.