Hygiene at risk

The West Australian - 21 December 2010

A chemical in some toothpastes and soaps has been linked with brain damage to babies in the womb.  Scientists fear pregnant women who are exposed to high levels of the chemical, called triclosan, may be putting their babies at risk.

New findings in the US suggest triclosan-a powerful anti-bacterial that was developed nearly 50 years ago – may disrupt the flow of blood to the uterus, starving a baby’s brain of the oxygen it needs to develop properly.  Triclosan is used in everything from toothpastes, deodorants and hand washes to washing-up liquid, anti-bacterial chopping boards and even some toys.

A spokeswoman for the Cosmetics, Toiletry and Perfumery Association in Britain said the study in sheep did not prove the same effects would be seen in humans.  “To date, it (triclosan) has been shown to be safe,” she said.