Back in August I posted about the hype of using antibacterial products, especially ones containing triclosan. The FDA is finally raising concern over the use of triclosan in many consumer and household products.

It was reported in the Washington Post on April 8, 2010 that the Centers for Disease Control found triclosan in the urine of 75 percent of the population. The FDA and EPA has raised questions about whether triclosan disrupts the body’s endocrine system. And the frequent use of antibacterial products also helps to create bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Triclosan began it’s uses as surgical scrub for medical professionals. It is also widely used in pesticides. And now it’s being added to consumer products to kill bacterial and fungus. It can be found in a variety of things such as cutting boards, soaps, lotions, and even shoes. It’s usually labeled as “antibacterial” properties.

The human body’s endocrine systems involves growth and development. So it’s important to keep it from being harmed with such chemicals as triclosan.

Avoid using any antibacterial product. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it’s very porous. I suggest just washing simply with soap and water.

What’s even better is using handmade soap. Especially ones with no artificial colors or synthetic lathering agents. As well as no parabens and phthalates (usually used as a preservative in commercial body care products). For my handmade soaps I use either grapefruit seed extract or vitamin E as a natural preservative.

Using handmade soap is great because it’s biodegradable. Soaps containing triclosan can run off into the water ways and cause more harm. We don’t need or want anymore chemicals leaching out into our water ways. We only have one planet and we like to keep in clean for future generations.