The chemical triclosan is used in hundreds of anti-bacterial consumer products like soap, shampoo, and deodorant.
Every day, millions of gallons of these products are washed down sinks and showers and into our rivers, lakes and streams, killing algae and causing degradation to ecosystems.
What's more, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not found evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than water and soap, so triclosan is an unnecessary ingredient.
It's time to get this dangerous pesticide out of our products and out of our waterways.
Take action today: Sign this petition urging your state legislators to ban triclosan in consumer personal care products.
Dear [Governor/Representative]:
I write concerning the use of triclosan in personal care products. Triclosan is a chemical pesticide that can harm wildlife and people, and should not be an ingredient in products such as antibacterial soaps, dish washing products, and shampoos.
[Your comment will be added here]
Triclosan is usually disposed through residential drains from these products and can remain relatively stable for a long duration in waterways. Exposure to triclosan in the environment is toxic to algae and aquatic life and studies had found notable amounts of triclosan in surface waters, soils, and sediments. A study from the University of Minnesota in 2013 found traces of triclosan in Minnesota's freshwater lakes. Other studies have indicated the presence of triclosan in New York waterways. Triclosan also impairs muscle function in both animals and humans, including heart muscle.
Importantly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not found evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than water and soap, so triclosan is an unnecessary ingredient. Minnesota passed a triclosan ban in 2014.
I urge you to do the same and work to ban triclosan in consumer personal care products.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
