Our Pharos Project researchers have identified Triclosan as both a potential asthmagen, and a persistent, bioaccumulative substance that can build up in humans, and when released to the environment, has been found in species as diverse as earthworms and bottlenose dolphins. Under certain conditions, Triclosan can break down in the environment into a group of dioxins – a class of chemicals known as potent carcinogens and endocrine disrupters.[5] Additionally, Pharos Project research into Triclosan process chemistry found dioxin residuals as a common contaminant in this antimicrobial.[6] The FDAs proposed rule targets hand-soaps but will likely impact the growing array of antimicrobial products such as doorknobs, countertops, engineered wood floors, carpet tiles, paints, and wallcoverings. If enacted, the proposed rule will require manufacturers to prove that antimicrobials they add are safe and effective, responding to concerns from the many independent experts that say they are neither. Indeed independent experts fear that the ubiquitous use of antimicrobials may put people at greater risk as superbacteria develop resistance to the products. For this reason, the Canadian Medical Association has called for a ban on antimicrobial chemicals in ordinary consumer products. The Triclosan story underscores the need for manufacturers to fully disclose building product contents so that architects, designers, building owners and occupants can make informed decisions about avoiding hazards while the regulatory agencies muddle through. The antimicrobial products specified in construction documents today with the intention of promoting healthy building, could be perceived quite differently in years to come. The FDAs action on antimicrobials comes some 35 years after it initiated an inquiry into Triclosan, and only after the agency settled a lawsuit with the Natural Resources Defense Council. That settlement requires the FDA to conclude this rulemaking . . . by 2016. In the meantime, using our Pharos Building Product Library, it is possible to identify products that contain Triclosan and to screen product lists to avoid antimicrobials[7] and other biocides[8]. healthybuilding.net/news/140108-fda-acts-on-antimicrobials.html
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 23:57:20 +0000
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