Smell ya lata, Triclosan

Big news this week...that sleeping giant the FDA is finally lumbering closer to a decision that would reduce the use of triclosan -- which most commonly appears in hand soap and some toothpaste but also in many products carrying the Microban label. 

Tons of coverage from all the major news outlets, because there's just so much great drama to be had here. Chemical danger lurking in your bathroom! Industry shakeups! The FDA's official announcement is here; NBCnews.com's story here, the New York Times' coverage is here, and even Forbes weighed in here.

Echoing the growing sentiment among scientists, physicians and environmentalists that triclosan does more harm than good, the FDA on Monday proposed a new rule that gives manufacturers the burden of proof to show that triclosan and its antibacterial cousins are safe and effective.

It's an interesting plan. Instead of saying one way or another whether or not antibacterial chemicals should be appearing in the vast majority of everyday household products, the government is instead taking the stance of being a big pain in the a$$ to manufacturers. If the rule passes -- some time in 2016 -- the FDA still will not actually be regulating the chemical. Companies which cannot over the course of the next year provide data proving safety and effectiveness of antibacterials will have to stop using the chemicals in their products.

Nothing comes off store shelves. No bans. Just a bunch of big, big corporations with their feathers ruffled because somebody's asked them to make safer products. By comparison, Canada has declared triclosan outright toxic. 'Nuff said.

The link for submitting public comments on the proposed rule is here. Note how difficult and convoluted they make for consumers to get involved. It may very well take all 180 days for me to figure out how to submit an actual comment.

I urge you to look through the news coverage, read up on the issue, and raise your voice. It's taken the FDA too many decades to act, but consumers can do what they do best -- make some noise -- every day.

Yours in cleaner living,
Jazzy