US Institute calls for EPA to reject triclosan ban
By Andrew McDougall, 19-Apr-2011
Related topics: Formulation & Science
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) has urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject a call to ban triclosan from personal care and hygiene products, claiming the petition lacks merit and relevant evidence.
EPA published the petition from activist groups late last year in the Federal Register requesting a ban on the antimicrobial pesticide.
In formal comments to EPA, ACI noted that triclosan is a germ-killing ingredient in personal care and hand hygiene products, which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, not the EPA.
Arguments for triclosan in personal care products
“These products play a beneficial role in the daily hygiene routines of millions of people throughout the US and worldwide,” said Richard Sedlak, ACI senior vice president of Technical and International Affairs.
“They have been and are used safely and effectively in homes, hospitals, and workplaces every single day.”
“Furthermore, triclosan and products containing it are regulated by a number of governmental bodies around the world and have a long track record of human and environmental safety which is supported by a multitude of scientifically based transparent risk analyses,” he added.
Petition states triclosan is no more effective
The petition documents that triclosan is no more effective than regular soap and water in removing germs and therefore creates an unnecessary hazardous exposure for people and the environment.
via US Institute calls for EPA to reject triclosan ban.
