Do you know what is in the hand sanitisers and hand soaps you're using?
Could your hand hygiene products be harming you more than helping you?
We think so and here's one ingredient used in Australian hand hygiene products that have us concerned.
In 2016 the United States Food & Drug Association (FDA) banned the use of Triclosan in hand soaps and hand sanitisers. There is concern that Triclosan may be harmful to people, animals and the environment.
Despite these concerns, in Australia, we still use Triclosan in hand hygiene products and that's a worry.
Triclosan is a synthetic antimicrobial chemical used to eliminate or reduce microorganisms. It's widely used in hand hygiene, dentistry, cosmetics, toys, kitchenware, workout cloths and hundreds of other products.
It's hard to avoid but you may never have heard about it even though it's been around since the 1970s. Back then it was used for what it was primarily designed for, sterilising medical instruments in hospitals.
Now we are more germ obsessed than ever and Triclosan is widely used. So what's the problem?
Why Is Triclosan harmful?
1. Known endocrine disruptor.
2. Suspected carcinogen.
3. May build Antibiotic/Antimicrobial resistance.
4. Developmental and reproductive toxicity concerns (based on animal studies)
5. Increased chance of developing allergies, asthma and eczema.
6. Weakened immune system
7. Alters microbiome and gut health
8. Danger to aquatic life
9. Danger to water quality
...and the list goes on.
We might be wrong about Triclosan.
But we believe there is an enormous body of research that shows the risks are far too great for us to produce products with this ingredient. For that reason, we stand by our decision to ensure no Triclosan is used to make any XO2 product including our hand soaps and hand sanitisers.
How do you know if Triclosan is in the product you use?
In many cases, you won't know. It is often not listed on the label or Safety Data Sheet because of compliance interpretation.
There are also large amounts of hand sanitisers and hand soaps manufactured in China that are now arriving on our shores. They are made to a very different standard than the products we produce here in Australia. It's difficult to know exactly what is in these products without testing them.
Unfortunately 'Australian Made' is no guarantee for a safe hand hygiene product either. Sounds crazy but we know competitor products with this ingredient that don't mention it anywhere. Scary right?
Do your own research and check out David Suzuki's Dirty Dozen while you're at it. Make your own informed decision.
Have a great day.
Related articles:
- How To Choose A Hand Sanitiser & Dispenser For Public Areas & Workplaces
- Hand Hygiene Saves Lives. The Training Guide.
- If It's Not Touch Free Do A Bush Wee. And Don't Wash Your Hands... Sometimes!
- What is in Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitiser?