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Pesticides in Pillow Cases, Playing Cards, and Paints
Janelle Sorensen
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
I remember being a bit of a germaphobe when my oldest daughter was a newborn. She was so tiny and vulnerable, and I needed to protect her. I made everyone wash their hands religiously before touching her. When I caught a cold, I scrubbed all the way up my arms before picking her up and then kept my head turned far away from her. Dropped pacifiers were quickly sanitized. I wouldn’t even lay her on a piece of furniture or on my own freshly vacuumed rug without laying a barrier of clean blankets.
Many years and another child later, I have a much more relaxed approach to germ warfare. It’s more of a peaceful coexistence. Apparently, even though I’ve decided to let my guard down, manufacturers have decided that it’s up to them to protect the human race from bacteria and they’re putting pesticides in a plethora of everyday products to act as an antibacterial – often times without our knowledge (they are not required to say it on the label).
The most common antibacterial pesticide is triclosan, and it’s being used in everything from toothpaste and shoes to playing cards and blankets. It’s somehow become rather ubiquitous in our homes. Funny thing is, there’s no evidence that antibacterial soaps or gels are any more effective than soap and water in fighting germs. The American Medical Association recommends against using triclosan in the home as it may lead to bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In addition, while the US EPA has approved its use in 140 types of consumer products, there’s never been any safety assessments regarding how triclosan may impact fetal and child development. And, not only is it inside all of these products we consume everyday, it is showing up in breast milk, which means it is inside of us, too.
The Environmental Working Group recently released a report uncovering the many products that contain triclosan, detailing research and policy recommendations, and offering advice for people to avoid exposures to triclosan. Here are their key tips:
• Forgo antibacterial soap.
• Watch for the antibacterial chemicals triclosan and triclocarban (triclosan's chemical cousin) in personal care products. Read ingredient labels or use Skin Deep to find products without them.
• Avoid “antibacterial” products.
Triclosan is used in everyday products like toothbrushes, toys, and cutting boards that may be labeled “antibacterial,” "fights germs," "protection against mold," or make claims such as “odor-fighting” or “keeps food fresher, longer.”
For more information, check out:
Healthy Child’s summary of the EWG report
The full report at EWG
Ridding the World of Triclosan, One Sock at a Time
Antibacterials & Disinfectants: Are They Necessary?
Posted by Bathroom Suppliers Berkshire on 10/18 at 05:30 AM
Many thanks for sharing this touching story. It’s good to see that you are so conscious about health care. Thanks.
Posted by Case on 10/01 at 04:24 PM
By using antibacterial soap you are only hurting yourself in the long run. Unless you work in in the health care industry of course.