Household Chemical Triclosan Under FDA Investigation

Knoxville, TNTriclosan, an ingredient found in many household products, from clothing to soaps to cosmetics to kitchenware, is under investigation by federal health regulators.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing the effects of the agent as a result of data from animal studies which suggest the antibacterial could cause hormonal problems or infertility. "At this time they've seen an effect in animals. We don't know what that means in humans, so they are going to have to look at it some more," said Dr. Martha Buchanan, the director of the Knox County Health Department.

Triclosan is added to everyday household products to help prevent bacterial contamination. It has been on the market for over 40 years and will remain on the market at least until the FDA concludes its investigations.

Lawyersandsettlements reported, in August, 2012, that triclosan, according to new scientific evidence, has been found to restrict muscle contractions in mice and fish. According to a report by CBSnews.com, researchers initially tested the antibacterial chemical on isolated heart muscle fibers from humans. They found that the communications channels that allow muscle movement became blocked when Triclosan was introduced, which, theoretically, would lead to skeletal and cardiac muscle failure.