In what can be termed as a worrisome revelation, a recent research conducted by Toxics Link, an Indian environmental NGO, found dangerous chemicals are being used in daily consumer products. The study found that 72.8% of the samples tested, contained endocrine-disrupting chemical ‘Triclosan’.
Triclosan is an antifungal and antibacterial agent mostly used in daily consumer products, namely soaps , toothpaste deodorants, mouthwash, detergents and hair products. According to experts, presence of the hazardous chemical beyond the permissible level can be dangerous and cause some fatal diseases.
In a bid to get some insight into the issue, Toxics Link conducted a study by sending 11 different samples of toothpaste and soap to Shriram 
Institute for Industrial Research for evaluation. It was noted that one of the soap samples contained Triclosan concentration of 3068 ppm as opposed to 3,000 ppm that is prescribed by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards).
The toothpaste samples also revealed some disturbing results. Researchers found that four samples had Triclosan chemical above the permissible limit fixed by BIS.
The analysis also found the same alarming facet in kid’s toothpaste. Out of the four samples tested, three had Triclosan chemical higher than the levels approved by the regulatory body.
Triclosan chemical is known to cause liver problems, depression, allergies and even cardiovascular diseases. In fact, given the potential health hazards it poses, many countries have prohibited the use of Triclosan in consumer products.
Piyush Mohapatra, senior program coordinator at Toxics Link said, “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.”
