The American Cleaning Institute (ACI, formerly known as the Soap and Detergent Association) asserts that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should summarily reject a petition by activist groups to ban an important antibacterial chemical, as the petition is deficient, lacks merit and uniformly fails to provide relevant evidence.
In formal comments to the EPA, ACI noted that triclosan is a germ-killing ingredient in personal care and hand hygiene products, which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, not the EPA.
"These products play a beneficial role in the daily hygiene routines of millions of people throughout the U.S. and worldwide," wrote Richard Sedlak, ACI's senior vice president of technical and international affairs. "They have been and are used safely and effectively in homes, hospitals, and workplaces every single day. Furthermore, triclosan and products containing it are regulated by a number of governmental bodies around the world and have a long track record of human and environmental safety which is supported by a multitude of scientifically based transparent risk analyses."
ACI says it took exception to the activist groups request for EPA to ban triclosan, stating that the EPA completed a very thorough review of the ingredient in a 2008 regulatory decision that formally re-registered triclosan for its use in EPA-regulated products. The petitioners attacks on triclosans safety and effectiveness rely on scientific bias, fail to present new relevant research that could impact EPAs findings, and appear to rely on an uninformed view of the established EPA re-registration process, according to ACI.
The ACI's comments summarize science-based research and data that show triclosan is safe for use in regulated hygiene products, does not cause significant risks or harm to human health and the environment, and does not contribute to bacterial resistance.
"In real-world situations such as the home, food manufacturing, and industrial environments, there is no evidence that antimicrobials can select for antibiotic resistant bacteria," wrote Sedlak.
ACI reiterated that triclosan-containing antibacterial handwash products provide a benefit compared to non-antibacterial hand wash products. "Antibacterial handwashes provide a public health benefit by reducing or eliminating pathogenic bacteria on the skin to a significantly greater degree than plain soap and water. The bacterial reduction from handwashing is linked to reduced infection from pathogenic bacteria."
Rare Disease Day 2024: Spotlight on Rare Infectious Diseases
February 29th 2024Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.
The Neglected Tropical Diseases You’ve Never Heard Of
February 27th 2024The 20 conditions, known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), are estimated to affect more than 1 billion people, yet many individuals have never heard of them. Heather Saunders, MPH, RN, CIC, discusses 5 of them and what is being done to prevent their spread.
The Benefits of Achieving Certifications and Training in the Field of Infection Prevention
February 20th 2024The field of health care has placed a great emphasis on infection prevention in recent years, making it imperative for professionals in this domain to obtain certifications and additional training. These credentials verify their expertise and enable them to gain access to better job prospects and higher earning potential.