Toxins are those poisonous substances which can enter into any thing if no proper preventive steps are taken by the manufacturer. Availability of these harmful toxins in unusual things can be avoided to some extent. But what if we tell you that a recent scientific study has discovered hints of toxins in our everyday use items like toothpastes and soaps. Yes, it is true that an environmental NGO by the name Toxics Link has found triclosan which is a chemical with strong ability to disrupt endocrine system of the human body.
Factually Triclosan has been identified in 72.8% of samples of toothpastes and soaps checked by Toxics Link NGO. There were total 11 samples each of toothpastes and soaps, which were collected from random markets in Delhi. They were further sent to Shriram Institute for Industrial Research and the analysts over there found out that four samples of toothpaste and one sample of soap were contaminated with chemicals to the limit not permissible by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Triclosan is majorly fungal as well as bacterial. Its regular consumption or usage through toothpastes and soaps can lead to problems like depression, liver problems, and cancer. India is one of those countries where preventive agents to fight against dangerous effects of triclosan is not available as yet.
Piyush Mohapatram, the senior programme coordinator at Toxics Link, stated that,
“It is a disturbing trend that we are finding triclosan in such high concentration in toothpaste that is used every day. It is even present in toothpaste meant only for children. The long term health effects of the chemical are worrying.”
Now we should know .01% – .03% amount of triclosan is present in all personal care products and not only its consumption but also its drainage in to the environmental chain is a serious issue. As the chemical is found in high concentrations even in treated sewage sludge, which further gets used in agriculture as fertilizer, affects both plants and wildlife.
Satish Sinha, the associate director at Toxics Link said,
“Stricter norms should be in place to regulate the chemical’s usage. As Triclosan discharged through waste water into our water streams will adversely impact water quality and so has a direct bearing on the health of people as well as animals and ecosystems at large. When safer alternatives are available, an initiative must be taken to regulate and gradually phase out the use of this chemical.”
