Chemical Used in Antibacterial Soaps Could Harm Health

A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggested that triclosan, a chemical widely used in manufacturing antibacterial soaps, could be harmful for our health. Researchers at University of California Davis found that exposure to triclosan led to impairment of heart and skeletal muscles, causing a number of health problems including reduced functioning of heart and weakened grip strength in mice. The researchers said that the mice were exposed to the amount of triclosan similar to those encountered in everyday life.

The researchers said that health agencies should look to prevent the use of triclosan in everyday products but said that more study was needed to ascertain whether the chemical had a similar effect on humans.

“We have shown that triclosan potently impairs muscle functions by interfering with signaling between two proteins that are of fundamental importance to life. Regulatory agencies should definitely be reconsidering whether it should be allowed in consumer products”, lead researcher Isaac Pessah said.

Source-Medindia