Does chemical Triclosan in Colgate Total lead to cancer-cell growth?

Triclosan is said to cause cancer-cell growth and disrupted development in animals. Thus, is it safe to put chemical triclosan in soaps, toys, toothpastes etc. Let’s find out.

Consumer companies are gradually stopping the use of this harmful chemical. However, millions continue to be exposed to triclosan put in toothpastes like Colgate-Palmolive Co.’s Total. Colgate asserts that Total is safe and that the product underwent rigorous Food and Drug Administration process that led to the toothpaste’s approval in 1997 as an over-the-counter drug.

However, FDA recently published Colgate’s findings on triclosan which proved that FDA’s drug approval process is based on company-backed science to show products are safe and effective. This report made experts question the company’s research on triclosan.

The study showed fetal bone malformations in mice and rats, which was put aside as irrelevant by Colgate. However, such findings when viewed in terms of today’s science may prove that triclosan is capable of disrupting the endocrine system and affecting hormonal functioning.

Colgate continues to defend the effectiveness of its product. Colgate spokesman Thomas DiPiazza said, “In the nearly 18 years that Colgate Total has been on the market in the U.S., there has been no signal of a safety issue from adverse-event reports. Colgate also pointed to an independent 2013 review by the Cochrane Oral Health Group, a network of doctors, researchers and health advocates, which found no evidence of harmful effects associated with using Colgate Total.” The safety of this product is supported by 80 clinical studies involving 19,000 people.

The FDA is reviewing safety information available on triclosan in hand soaps and not in Colgate Total as triclosan hasn’t been proven superior to soap and water at washing hands, however its effectiveness as an ingredient in toothpastes has been made clear through its FDA approval process. FDA, however, is positive that triclosan doesn’t pose a cancer risk for humans.

Colgate stopped use of triclosan in its Softsoap liquid handsoaps and Palmolive antibacterial dish liquid in 2011. Triclosan is the most scrutinized chemical since it is now used in nearly 200 products including rugs and pet-food dispensers. Firms like Johnson & Johnson, Avon Products Inc. and Procter & Gamble Co. have decided to remove triclosan from their products.

Consumers have turned away from chemicals like Bisphenol A and phthalates and have become much more aware about toxicity ranking.

At the end of the day it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to assure that its product is safe and to provide consumers with relevant information.

Follows us:
Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin
For More info: www.globalchemicalprice.com