The surprising hiding places for triclosan

Have you been watching out for triclosan? I sure have. Or at least I thought I was. I mean, I pick up a liquid soap dispenser and scan the ingredients to see if it's there. Of course, simply avoiding any antibacterial soaps is a good option. 

What I forgot is that triclosan is hiding in unusual places -- like in plastic food containers and cutting boards. Did you know it could be in the clothing you wear, or the toys your little ones are playing with. How about your toothbrush? Did you know it might be hiding this nasty chemical in its bristles? Yikes! 

Other places you might discover triclosan include:

• towels
• sponges
• hand sanitizer
• dishwashing detergent
• shower curtains
• mattresses (look out when shopping for crib mattresses!)
• phones
• toothpaste
• flooring and carpeting
• shoes
• garbage cans
• vacuum cleaner bags 
• and, unfortunately, many, many more 

If a product is labeled "antibacterial," stay away! You don't want it in your home. Other terms that seduce us, but should actually serve as warnings are "odor-fighting," "antimicrobial," or anything about keeping food fresher, longer.

In addition to triclosan, you also want to avoid a similar chemical called triclocarban.

But why?

Simply because you don't want to introduce the possibility of liver and inhalation toxicity into your family's lives. Even low levels of triclosan can affect thyroid function. And studies show a link between triclosan and asthma. Of course, cancer is always an issue as well. Lots of scary stuff.

Protect your family and don't buy into the promise of "anitbacterial" being best. It's a lie. And it's your job to shield your kids from the possibly devastating affects of these nasty chemicals.

More info on triclosan:

Pass me the hand sanitizer ... NOT! This includes a link to a comprehensive list of products that have triclosan in them
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