Minnesota is banning the germ killer triclosan, which is found in many anti-bacterial soaps and body washes. Triclosan, a high production volume ingredient used as a bactericide in personal care products such as toothpaste, deodorant, and antibacterial soap, has been linked to heart disease and heart failure. Originally, the chemical, developed in the 1960s, was used in hospitals to prevent bacterial infections.
In a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from the University of California, Davis, found that triclosan also interferes with muscle function. In the lab, they exposed human muscle cells, from the heart and elsewhere, to triclosan and discovered that the chemical interrupted cellular communication necessary for muscle contraction.
An initial assessment, conducted by Environment Canada and Health Canada in 2012 was inconclusive.
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View February 5, 2013 Huffington Post article
View August 29, 2012 Mercola article
View August 15, 2012 Time article
View July 13, 2012 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences report
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