The main antibacterial chemical found in cleaning products (including hand wash), Triclosan is polluting our water supplies, which means it’s ingested by wildlife who rely on the water for life.

When this chemical interacts with chlorine in water it produces significant amounts of chloroform, which is then inhaled. This wouldn’t be a problem, except chloroform is classified by the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a carcinogenic (Cancer causing) substance.

Another chemical produced when Triclosan reacts with water and is exposed to UV radiation from the sun are known as Dioxin^5,6 which is classed as an environmental oestrogen. Scientists have discovered that even extremely small amounts of environmental can cause major changes in endocrine cells, possibly leading to disruption of vital chemical messenger systems in humans and animals⁷, simply put, these chemicals are disrupting the delicate balance or human & animal hormones, effecting sexual development and fertility. 

What can you do instead? Research has shown that washing your hands with warm water and regular vegetable based soap and dryign them thoroughly with a clean towel is as effective as using antibacterial soap.

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Bibliography

5. http://www.wellbeing.com.au/article/Greenliving/Features/

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6.http://www.naturalnews.com/021703.html

7. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sections/public_health/