Triclosan being reviewed by FDA

[DrSally]

We already try to avoid triclosan (hard to find a handsoap wo/it). Saw on NBC nightly news that it's now under review by the FDA as a possible hormone disruptor (haven't heard this) and for contributing to antibiotic resistance (have heard this).


ETA list of products which MAY contain triclosan (Microban):


Was reading the prior thread adn thought i would make a new thread since a lot of people may not look at the old thread.

Anways, saw this on SD adn thought i would share:

FYI, Triclosan is used in many common household products, including Clearasil Daily Face Wash, Dentyl mouthwash, Dawn, the Colgate Total range, Crest Cavity Protection, Softsoap, Dial, Right Guard deodorant, Sensodyne Total Care, Old Spice, Mentadent, and Bath and Body works hand sanitizers.

triclosan is found in the following products:

Soaps:

* Dial® Liquid Soap
* Softsoap® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
* Tea Tree Therapy™ Liquid Soap
* Provon® Soap
* Clearasil® Daily Face Wash
* Dermatologica® Skin Purifying Wipes
* Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
* DermaKleen™ Antibacterial Lotion Soap
* Naturade Aloe Vera 80® Antibacterial Soap
* CVS Antibacterial Soap
* pHisoderm Antibacterial Skin Cleanser

Dental Care:

* Colgate Total®; Breeze™ Triclosan Mouthwash
* Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush
* Janina Diamond Whitening Toothpaste

Cosmetics:

* Supre® Café Bronzer™
* TotalSkinCare Makeup Kit
* Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation
* Mavala Lip Base
* Jason Natural Cosmetics
* Blemish Cover Stick
* Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ
* Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb
* Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss
* Dazzle

Deodorant:

* Old Spice High Endurance Stick Deodorant
* Right Guard Sport Deodorant
* Queen Helene® Tea Trea Oil Deodorant and Aloe Deodorant
* Nature De France Le Stick Natural Stick Deodorant
* DeCleor Deodorant Stick
* Epoch® Deodorant with Citrisomes
* X Air Maximum Strength Deodorant

Other Personal Care Products:

* Gillette® Complete Skin Care MultiGel Aerosol Shave Gel
* Murad Acne Complex® Kit®
* Diabet-x™ Cream
* T.Taio™ sponges and wipes
* Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel

First Aid:

* SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic
* Solarcaine®
* First Aid Medicated Spray;
Nexcare™ First Aid
* Skin Crack Care
* First Aid/Burn Cream
* HealWell® Night Splint
* 11-1X1: Universal Cervical Collar with Microban

Kitchenware:

* Farberware® Microban Steakknife Set and Cutting Boards
* Franklin Machine Products FMP Ice Cream Scoop SZ 20 Microban
* Hobart Semi-Automatic Slicer
* Chix® Food Service Wipes with Microban
* Compact Web Foot® Wet Mop Heads

Computer Equipment:

* Fellowes Cordless Microban Keyboard and Microban Mouse Pad

Clothes:

* Merrell Shoes **click here (http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2691879&highlight=merrell#post2691879) for more info**
* Sabatier Chef's Apron
* Dickies Socks
* Fruit of the Loom Socks
* Biofresh® Socks

Children's Toys:

* Playskool® :
o Stack 'n Scoop Whale
o Rockin' Radio
o Hourglass
o Sounds Around Driver
o Roll 'n' Rattle Ball
o Animal Sounds Phone
o Busy Beads Pal
o Pop 'n' Spin Top
o Lights 'n' Surprise Laptop

Other:

* Bionare® Cool Mist Humidifier
* Microban® All Weather Reinforced Hose
* Thomasville® Furniture
* Deciguard AB Ear Plugs
* Bauer® 5000 Helmet
* Aquatic Whirlpools
* Miller Paint Interior Paint
* QVC® Collapsible 40-Can Cooler
* Holmes Foot Buddy™ Foot Warmer
* Blue Mountain Wall Coverings
* California Paints®
* EHC AMRail Escalator Handrails
* Dupont™ Air Filters
* Durelle™ Carpet Cushions
* Advanta One Laminate Floors
* San Luis Blankets
* J Cloth® towels
* JERMEX mops

[JBaxter]

Great there goes my favorite toothpaste :(

[DrSally]

Great there goes my favorite toothpaste :(

What toothpaste do you use? They said it was in toothpaste (among other things), but I've only seen it in hand/body soap.

[JBaxter]

Colgate Total has triclosan I think Ive used it since it came out.

[mamicka]

I keep thinking that Triclosan is something for acne. What am I thinking of?

I'll add this to the ever-growing list of seemingly unavoidable poison. Sigh.

[daniele_ut]

Colgate Total has triclosan I think Ive used it since it came out.

Same here, ugh.

[julevizamom]

We already try to avoid triclosan (hard to find a handsoap wo/it). Saw on NBC nightly news that it's now under review by the FDA as a possible hormone disruptor (haven't heard this) and for contributing to antibiotic resistance (have heard this).

We've been avoiding the antibacterial soaps, too, b/c of the antibiotic resistance. We use regular old softsoap. I love the milk protein and honey scent.

From what I can see, Colgate Total is the only toothpaste that has it in it.

[mecawa]

I keep thinking that Triclosan is something for acne. What am I thinking of?

I'll add this to the ever-growing list of seemingly unavoidable poison. Sigh.

Me too, LOL!!! I keep thinking tetracyclin (sp?) (medication sometimes used to treat acne)

[DrSally]

We use softsoap too or TJ's Dr. Bronner's knock off diluted in a foamer. It's harder to find a dishsoap wo/it.

[Indianamom2]

We've been avoiding the antibacterial soaps, too, b/c of the antibiotic resistance. We use regular old softsoap. I love the milk protein and honey scent.

From what I can see, Colgate Total is the only toothpaste that has it in it.

:yeahthat: The only antibacterial item that I purposefully use is a small bottle of hand sanitizer that I keep for those times when we're out and can't wash up or something is just really gross.

[daisymommy]

I just came here to post about this! It actually bio-accumulates in breastmilk and is excreted to your baby :(

[SnuggleBuggles]

I never would have thought to look at my toothpaste! Thanks for that heads up. I have used Total forever too. I think I'll dig out my Tom's of Maine and call it a day.

Beth

[MamaMolly]

Wow! Another example of the BBB Mamas being a little ahead of the game. I've been avoiding anti-bacterial soap because if the resistance issue, but now will keep my eyes peeled for triclosan too. Thanks!

[DrSally]

I just came here to post about this! It actually bio-accumulates in breastmilk and is excreted to your baby :(

I've heard this too...

[ett]

Colgate Total has triclosan I think Ive used it since it came out.

Yup, I'd been using the Colgate Total until I noticed the triclosan in the ingredient list one day. I now use Toms of Maine.

[Nooknookmom]

Great, just friggin great!!!! I keep it by the kitchen sink b/c I am wary of raw chicken/egg cross contaminating from my hands/dishes.

I have heard of the resistance and try not to use it in any other products but now hormones issues???? WTF?

I swear the government knew all this stuff that is going on for years but has let it continue, while we all get sick or effed up!

[edurnemk]

I think it's also used to make plastics antimicrobial, I heard it's in toothbrushes and other things, but I could be wrong.

[KpbS]

Thanks for the heads up, Sally. I have avoided it for years, but recently bought some soap when DS1 kept getting sick in the last few months. Ugh...........

[squimp]

Method soap doesn't have it.

[Minnifer]

Nice... time for me to buy a new dishwashing liquid... I swear, it's impossible to keep up w/all the potentially hazardous stuff out there.

[ThreeofUs]

Thanks for posting this, Sally.

Here's the fda link:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm205999.htm

[infomama]

time for me to buy a new dishwashing liquid
Never thought to look but my 7th generation dish soap has SLS in it....great. I think I'll wear dish gloves from now on. I use all natural bar soap made by Chagrin Valley Soap and Craft for our hands/bodies/face (well the kids still use CB). Love their soaps.

[Katigre]

YES!!! I am so glad it's being reviewed, I hate that when we're in public restrooms the soap all has it - blech. There are so many hormone disruptors out there polluting our bodies.

[infomama]

I hate that when we're in public restrooms the soap all has it - blech. . Gosh I never really thought about that. Should be easy enough to carry along a small bottle of castille soap for when we are running around.

[Katigre]

Here is EWG's article about it from awhile back (that's where I first heard of it as something bad to avoid):

http://www.ewg.org/reports/triclosan (be sure to click through the different sub reports listed on the right hand side)

[DrSally]

I think it's also used to make plastics antimicrobial, I heard it's in toothbrushes and other things, but I could be wrong.

They did say it's in some kids plastic toys (among other things).

[DrSally]

Thanks for the heads up, Sally. I have avoided it for years, but recently bought some soap when DS1 kept getting sick in the last few months. Ugh...........

I also use it occassionally when I had a boil and when DD had a bacterial diaper rash. It's def not a regular use thing though (had the same bottle for a long time). I think it maybe just as easy to add a 1/4 cup of bleach to DD's bath water.

ETA: And thanks for finding the actual link, Ivy!

[infomama]

I think it's also used to make plastics antimicrobial
Wonder if it's in Crocs?

[infomama]

Perhaps you all know this but as it is new to me I will share...did you know that Microban is the brand name for triclosan when used in footwear, protective wear and sporting gear. Its brand name when used in fibers is BioFresh. Its marketing hook is that it eliminates odors and that it lasts for the lifetime of the item.
Microban is even in scissors http://bp1.blogger.com/_pgfweJM0aC0/SITKjWKiiiI/AAAAAAAACn8/HsDASwYQJhs/s320/PICT0003-1.JPG (http://stanford.wellsphere.com/linkOut.s?link=http%3A%2F%2Fbp1.blogger.com%2F_pgf weJM0aC0%2FSITKjWKiiiI%2FAAAAAAAACn8%2FHsDASwYQJhs %2Fs1600-h%2FPICT0003-1.JPG)
Aww...come on!!

[essnce629]

Glad I don't buy anything that is "antibacterial" and I don't use Colgate Total since it gets a bad score on Skin Deep. I've always used Colgate Cavity Protection since it gets a score of 3. Some of Tom's of Maine toothpastes score a low 1 or 2, but there are several that also score 3 and even 4.

[BelleoftheBallFlagstaff]

Wonder if it's in Crocs?

Relatively sure that is Microban.

We use fluoride free paste and no commercial stuff. For hand sanitizer and such we use Clean Well. My concern is resistance with things like MRSA (resistent staph).We pretty much always have a few MRSA patients a tour hospital. I never bought anti-bac soap, I though it was a crock of poop.

[shawnandangel]

This is interesting! Today I recorded my results in my microbiology lab on handwashing. One of the soaps we looked at was antibacterial w/ triclosan.

In the classes results: After washing hands for 15 seconds the majority of the class found that:

Bar soap left the hands *WAY* more contaminated with bacteria than before washing. It was really gross
Target brand Liquid soap also left the hands more contaminated
Target brand Triclosan liquid soap *antibacterial* left the hands more contaminated.
Washing with just plain water worked better than the 3 above

The only thing that actually got rid of bacteria on the hands in our experiment was the alcohol based hand sanitizer. It reduced the bacteria growth on my index finger from 14 colonies to 0 colonies.

Now, this was just one classroom, so the results are just that of 20 people but I found our results very interesting!

[gatorsmom]

This is interesting! Today I recorded my results in my microbiology lab on handwashing. One of the soaps we looked at was antibacterial w/ triclosan.

In the classes results: After washing hands for 15 seconds the majority of the class found that:

Bar soap left the hands *WAY* more contaminated with bacteria than before washing. It was really gross
Target brand Liquid soap also left the hands more contaminated
Target brand Triclosan liquid soap *antibacterial* left the hands more contaminated.
Washing with just plain water worked better than the 3 above

The only thing that actually got rid of bacteria on the hands in our experiment was the alcohol based hand sanitizer. It reduced the bacteria growth on my index finger from 14 colonies to 0 colonies.

Now, this was just one classroom, so the results are just that of 20 people but I found our results very interesting!

Oh, no! do you think your results are typical? Aren't plain old soap and water are best for reducing bacteria and viruses on the hands? I've also heard that just washing with water doesn't do it- that's like giving the germs a shower LOL. So, do I go around the house throwing out our bars of soap and replacing them with alchohol pumps? I don't think I'd really do that but honestly, I hope your class experiment was flawed!

[gatorsmom]

It's on the triple-seat Target shopping carts too. I think the entire seat is lined with that stuff.

[infomama]

I hope your class experiment was flawed!
:yeahthat: Hard to wrap my head around the idea that washing my hands with soap would leave them more contaminated then they were before I washed them.

[MontrealMum]

Wow! Another example of the BBB Mamas being a little ahead of the game. I've been avoiding anti-bacterial soap because if the resistance issue, but now will keep my eyes peeled for triclosan too. Thanks!
:yeahthat:
All I can contribute is that Method and Dove (pump and bar soap) do not have triclosan, though Method does have SLS if you're worried about that. Just checked the Method pump bottle, but we're out of Dove right now. I am 100% sure that it's free of it also because I was very concerned about the resistance issue after it was reported a few years back and did a lot of package reading. I also have a pump bottle of CA Baby antibacterial in the kitchen. Britonne posted last year? about making your own antibacterial using tea tree oil which is what I now carry in my purse in a repurposed container.

Yikes on the toothpaste though. We don't use Total, but I'm going to check our packages to see what's in there. We switch a lot.

Thanks for posting this Sally :)

[BelleoftheBallFlagstaff]

Friction is effective at killing most germs. Washing for 30 seconds with soap and water seems to be effective, at least when checking with a black light, which we did a few weeks ago in class. We used non anti-bac soap.

[essnce629]

This is interesting! Today I recorded my results in my microbiology lab on handwashing. One of the soaps we looked at was antibacterial w/ triclosan.

In the classes results: After washing hands for 15 seconds the majority of the class found that:

Bar soap left the hands *WAY* more contaminated with bacteria than before washing. It was really gross
Target brand Liquid soap also left the hands more contaminated
Target brand Triclosan liquid soap *antibacterial* left the hands more contaminated.
Washing with just plain water worked better than the 3 above

The only thing that actually got rid of bacteria on the hands in our experiment was the alcohol based hand sanitizer. It reduced the bacteria growth on my index finger from 14 colonies to 0 colonies.

Now, this was just one classroom, so the results are just that of 20 people but I found our results very interesting!

Odd! Do you think touching the soap dispenser pump may have contaminated the hands even more before washing and adding to the initial bacterial count? Did you pump the soap into your hands yourself or did someone else do it for you? That's all I could think of that might skew the results.

[JTsMom]

I just came here to post about this! It actually bio-accumulates in breastmilk and is excreted to your baby :(

It makes me sick to hear that. I've been avoiding it for several years, but when DS was an infant, I was a hand-washing fiend, and we were still using anti-bacterial soap at that point.



Odd! Do you think touching the soap dispenser pump may have contaminated the hands even more before washing and adding to the initial bacterial count? Did you pump the soap into your hands yourself or did someone else do it for you? That's all I could think of that might skew the results.


ETA: For those looking to switch soaps, TJ's has a really nice lavender tea tree oil dish soap with no SLS or triclosan. It's purple. We also buy our Dr. Bronner's castille soap there for our hand soap. The bottle is pricey, but you can dilute it way down, and it lasts for ages.

I was going to ask the same question. Also, who was turning the water on and off, and was it done with a towel?

[daisymommy]

Here's an interesting read on a one of my favorite blogs:
http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/03/22/monday-mission-get-the-antibacterial-soap-out/#more-5489

[egoldber]

Well, lovely. I never thought to worry about my toothpaste. :headsmack And of course the ONLY toothpaste my older DD will use is that wretched Colagte Watermelon flavor.

[DrSally]

Friction is effective at killing most germs. Washing for 30 seconds with soap and water seems to be effective, at least when checking with a black light, which we did a few weeks ago in class. We used non anti-bac soap.

I've heard that too. The argument seems to be that you can easily wash off the germs, so you don't have to kill them (with antibacterial stuff).

[DrSally]

Nice. I think it will take the FDA a long, long time to review this (think about how long it took with BPA, so it will be around for awhile.

[egoldber]

Lovely. Not.

[m448]

Hmmm, and that stuff is in a lot of the lunchboxes/bags.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I've been trying to avoid Microban for a long time. It always seemed like another ridiculous step in our germophobic society. Bring on the germs! well, except now they'll be super germs, huh?

Beth

[ett]

You're kidding me! I see Microban label on stuff all the time. :(

[Katigre]

Does the Microban rub off onto out skin and the air, or is it inert in the product?

[SnuggleBuggles]

Dh was saying that Triclosan is the ingredient in Neosporin. Haven't double checked that but sounds likely. I don't even use Neosporin regularly on cuts and here I have been coating my teeth in that for years.

Beth

[caleymama]

Dh was saying that Triclosan is the ingredient in Neosporin. Haven't double checked that but sounds likely. I don't even use Neosporin regularly on cuts and here I have been coating my teeth in that for years.

Beth

I don't think so - I've avoided Tricolosan in toothpaste, hand soap, face cleanser (Clearasil), but don't recall it in Neosporin. My CVS brand antibiotic ointment is neomycin, polymyxin b sulfate, and bacitracin zinc in white petrolatum.

[PAfirsttimemom]

Darn, wish I hadn't bought the double value pack of Colgate Total this last time.

Can someone tell be what SLS is? I have been buying 7th Gen dish liquid and didn't know there was a potentially harmful ingredient in there.

[MamaMolly]

Gosh I never really thought about that. Should be easy enough to carry along a small bottle of castille soap for when we are running around.

Target and WF sells the travel size bottle.

[MamaMolly]

Darn, wish I hadn't bought the double value pack of Colgate Total this last time.

Can someone tell be what SLS is? I have been buying 7th Gen dish liquid and didn't know there was a potentially harmful ingredient in there.

sodium laurel sulfate, or maybe laureth?

[Penny's Pappa]

Darn, wish I hadn't bought the double value pack of Colgate Total this last time.

Can someone tell be what SLS is? I have been buying 7th Gen dish liquid and didn't know there was a potentially harmful ingredient in there.

It's a surfactant used in a variety of cleaning products from laundry detergent to hand "soaps" and shampoos. You may also see sodium laurel sulfate listed as SDS, or sodium dodecyl sulfate, and you may also see its related compound ammonium laurel (or dodecyl) sulfate.

[ThreeofUs]

sodium laurel sulfate, or maybe laureth?

It's lauryl for the 7th Gen dish soap; it's just a surfactant with some detergent properties.

(If anyone cares, lol, laureth is the detergent/surfactant form; makes a lot of bubbles. Both are not so great for people from a chemist's point of view.)

[PAfirsttimemom]

It's lauryl for the 7th Gen dish soap; it's just a surfactant with some detergent properties.

(If anyone cares, lol, laureth is the detergent/surfactant form; makes a lot of bubbles. Both are not so great for people from a chemist's point of view.)

What's harmful about them? I don't have time for lots of Google research today!

[ThreeofUs]

What's harmful about them? I don't have time for lots of Google research today!

For anything like this, just go to the skin deep site and search on the name:

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=706110

[ThreeofUs]

Does the Microban rub off onto out skin and the air, or is it inert in the product?


Well, think about it this way: the microban is there to eliminate bacteria. Bacteria (or at least the bact that the microban is trying to address) exist only on surfaces. So the microban has to be active and has to "reach" out of the product to something on its surface.

In other words, it rubs off onto anything that touches it. :(

[sewarsh]

Was reading the prior thread adn thought i would make a new thread since a lot of people may not look at the old thread.

Anways, saw this on SD adn thought i would share:

FYI, Triclosan is used in many common household products, including Clearasil Daily Face Wash, Dentyl mouthwash, Dawn, the Colgate Total range, Crest Cavity Protection, Softsoap, Dial, Right Guard deodorant, Sensodyne Total Care, Old Spice, Mentadent, and Bath and Body works hand sanitizers.

triclosan is found in the following products:

Soaps:

* Dial® Liquid Soap
* Softsoap® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
* Tea Tree Therapy™ Liquid Soap
* Provon® Soap
* Clearasil® Daily Face Wash
* Dermatologica® Skin Purifying Wipes
* Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
* DermaKleen™ Antibacterial Lotion Soap
* Naturade Aloe Vera 80® Antibacterial Soap
* CVS Antibacterial Soap
* pHisoderm Antibacterial Skin Cleanser

Dental Care:

* Colgate Total®; Breeze™ Triclosan Mouthwash
* Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush
* Janina Diamond Whitening Toothpaste

Cosmetics:

* Supre® Café Bronzer™
* TotalSkinCare Makeup Kit
* Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation
* Mavala Lip Base
* Jason Natural Cosmetics
* Blemish Cover Stick
* Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ
* Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb
* Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss
* Dazzle

Deodorant:

* Old Spice High Endurance Stick Deodorant
* Right Guard Sport Deodorant
* Queen Helene® Tea Trea Oil Deodorant and Aloe Deodorant
* Nature De France Le Stick Natural Stick Deodorant
* DeCleor Deodorant Stick
* Epoch® Deodorant with Citrisomes
* X Air Maximum Strength Deodorant

Other Personal Care Products:

* Gillette® Complete Skin Care MultiGel Aerosol Shave Gel
* Murad Acne Complex® Kit®
* Diabet-x™ Cream
* T.Taio™ sponges and wipes
* Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel

First Aid:

* SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic
* Solarcaine®
* First Aid Medicated Spray;
Nexcare™ First Aid
* Skin Crack Care
* First Aid/Burn Cream
* HealWell® Night Splint
* 11-1X1: Universal Cervical Collar with Microban

Kitchenware:

* Farberware® Microban Steakknife Set and Cutting Boards
* Franklin Machine Products FMP Ice Cream Scoop SZ 20 Microban
* Hobart Semi-Automatic Slicer
* Chix® Food Service Wipes with Microban
* Compact Web Foot® Wet Mop Heads

Computer Equipment:

* Fellowes Cordless Microban Keyboard and Microban Mouse Pad

Clothes:

* Merrell Shoes
* Sabatier Chef's Apron
* Dickies Socks
* Fruit of the Loom Socks
* Biofresh® Socks

Children's Toys:

* Playskool® :
o Stack 'n Scoop Whale
o Rockin' Radio
o Hourglass
o Sounds Around Driver
o Roll 'n' Rattle Ball
o Animal Sounds Phone
o Busy Beads Pal
o Pop 'n' Spin Top
o Lights 'n' Surprise Laptop

Other:

* Bionare® Cool Mist Humidifier
* Microban® All Weather Reinforced Hose
* Thomasville® Furniture
* Deciguard AB Ear Plugs
* Bauer® 5000 Helmet
* Aquatic Whirlpools
* Miller Paint Interior Paint
* QVC® Collapsible 40-Can Cooler
* Holmes Foot Buddy™ Foot Warmer
* Blue Mountain Wall Coverings
* California Paints®
* EHC AMRail Escalator Handrails
* Dupont™ Air Filters
* Durelle™ Carpet Cushions
* Advanta One Laminate Floors
* San Luis Blankets
* J Cloth® towels
* JERMEX mops

[sewarsh]

MERRELL SHOES!!!! Ouch. We have lots of them.
Also, shocked to see Jason cosmetics & Thomasville furniture on the list - Both VERY expensive IMO.

[zoestargrove]

I went down the list....and checked a few items in our closet...for instance DH uses Old Spice high endurance deodorant, but the one we have does NOT include triclosan in the ingredients...but, then I came upon Merrell shoes - well, that one hurts.

[trales]

California Paints, aren't those the fancy "safe" paints. Wow.

[maestramommy]

Merrell shoes?? I've been wearing these shoes since last fall! They are my everyday shoes!!

[erosenst]

Thx for posting. And add me to the list of those depressed about Merrell shoes :(.

[elizabethkott]

Yikes!
Thanks for posting the list.

[ett]

About the Merrell shoes, if we're wearing socks with them, shouldn't we be okay?

[AnnieW625]

Well lets see we just have the Merrell shoes (DH) and the Colgate Total. I doubt DH will be able to give up the Total. I tried to get him to use Crest when were first married and well that didn't happen.

FWIW, Soft Soap Lavender and Cammomile is Triclosan free :). I have been avoiding it in hand soaps for years since a nurse friend of mine consulted a dr. she worked with about weak finger nails and she said that the triclosan made fingernails weak too.

[OKKiddo]

I can't believe it's in Dawn! I use Dawn for degreasing the back porch, for cleaning out my kiddo's sippy cups several times a day, for doing all the dishes, washing our hands after handling the potty chair, for washing our cloth diapers--so many things!!

[Minnifer]

I can't believe it's in Dawn! I use Dawn for degreasing the back porch, for cleaning out my kiddo's sippy cups several times a day, for doing all the dishes, washing our hands after handling the potty chair, for washing our cloth diapers--so many things!!

Ugh I feel the same way about our Palmolive anti-bacterial dishwashing liquid - I had no idea how bad this stuff was and I've been using it for years, for everything...

Re wearing socks w/Merrells, I read online that socks don't protect from exposure, but didn't research it thoroughly so not sure if true.

[DrSally]

I can't believe it's in furniture!

[SnuggleBuggles]

I immediately thought of ds's shoes but then remembered that Tsukihoshi have tea tree oil instead.

Beth

[essnce629]

Glad I don't have a single thing from that list.

[mytwosons]

Ugh. I have Thomasville furniture. Upholstered and wood. I wonder how I find out if it's in there....

[PAfirsttimemom]

For anything like this, just go to the skin deep site and search on the name:

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=706110

Thank you!

[brittone2]

nak-
one other thing to look into if you are curious is the use of silver nanoparticles in products...they are starting to pop up in socks, etc sort of being used like Microban. There are environmental, etc concerns about it being passed into wastewater

for ex:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080429135502.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028114025.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100224102235.htm

from the third link:
Silver, silver ions and silver nanoparticles have generally been considered to be quite harmless to people. However, the most recent research has demonstrated that nanoparticles also penetrate mammalian cells and damage the genotype. There is even evidence to suggest that silver nanoparticles may actively find their way into cells through endocytosis.
<snip>
Moreover, it has been demonstrated that silver nanoparticles penetrate the skin via pores and glands. If the skin is damaged, this facilitates the penetration of silver particles through the skin.

In general nanoparticles (not just silver) are already in lots of consumer products and packaging (usually not labeled as such), while the safety studies are still in fairly early stages (EPA is doing some research on this in our area)
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=do-nanoparticles-in-food-pose-health-risk
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/090818/full/460937a.html

[MamaMolly]

ETA: For those looking to switch soaps, TJ's has a really nice lavender tea tree oil dish soap with no SLS or triclosan. It's purple.

Just want to add that we got a bottle of this from a friend when she moved (I'm super persnickity about dish soap and usually prefer Dawn) but this soap did a great job IMO. I really wish there were a TJs near me because I'd totally stock up!

You can use this kind of soap in a foaming despenser if you dilute it about 1:4 with distilled water.

[jerigirl]

Just FYI- I came across this list the other night after googling around for more info on this Triclosan issue and the article I saw it in was from 2006. So the list might not be complete or fully accurate. Here is where I saw it.
http://www.drbenkim.com/articles/triclosan-products.htm

[daisymommy]

:cheerleader1: YEAH! So glad to see Beth (Brittone) as back here with all of her wisdom to share! Everytime an issue like this comes up and you've been "out on maternity leave" from the boards, I sure have missed your input!

[daisymommy]

I LOVE the handsoap version of this, which btw has tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract in, which are natural antibacterials and antifungals.

[gatorsmom]

Fruit of the loom socks?!! I'm not sure what my boys are wearing but I need to check . They might be Hanes. Yikes! Thx for posting!

[icunurse]

I can't believe it's in Dawn! I use Dawn for degreasing the back porch, for cleaning out my kiddo's sippy cups several times a day, for doing all the dishes, washing our hands after handling the potty chair, for washing our cloth diapers--so many things!!

From what I can tell researching online, it is only in the Dawn Antibacterial soap, not the standard dish soap (looked on the label of the regular blue that I own and it is not listed).

FWIW, I just bought a big container of eco-friendly dish soap from Sam's (thought it was dishwasher soap!) and the lady at checkout raved about it and said it was as good at grease as Dawn. I haven't tried it yet, though.

[sewarsh]

FWIW, I just bought a big container of eco-friendly dish soap from Sam's (thought it was dishwasher soap!) and the lady at checkout raved about it and said it was as good at grease as Dawn. I haven't tried it yet, though.

What is the brand?

[maestramommy]

I can't believe it's in Dawn! I use Dawn for degreasing the back porch, for cleaning out my kiddo's sippy cups several times a day, for doing all the dishes, washing our hands after handling the potty chair, for washing our cloth diapers--so many things!!


It's in Dawn?? How did I miss that? Well, I don't think I can give that up. It's the only thing strong enough for degreasing my pans and baby bottles.

[icunurse]

What is the brand?

Sam's Clubs brand - Members' Mark EcoResponsible. It says that it uses plant-based and biodegradable cleaning agents, no phosphates. Citrus scent.

[catpagmo]

I don't think so - I've avoided Tricolosan in toothpaste, hand soap, face cleanser (Clearasil), but don't recall it in Neosporin. My CVS brand antibiotic ointment is neomycin, polymyxin b sulfate, and bacitracin zinc in white petrolatum.

:yeahthat: I just checked my tube of neosporin, and it has the same ingredients as above, with the addition of pramoxine HCI. This is a tube of neosporin plus pain relief.

[niccig]

This is what I've found so far.


Microban
http://www.microban.com/americas/english/products/
In shoes like Tevas, some yoga mats, Infantino shopping cart covers and baby carriers, some rubbermaid products etc.

I wonder what is in the sporting clothes like UnderArmour. They say online that it's "odor control technology" but exactly what? DH wears all their sporting clothes.

Thankfully, we just have the Colgate Total to get rid of. I use regular Dawn, and that doesn't have triclosan listed as it's not their anti-bacterial line. Anyone heard any different on that???

[s7714]

I just realized tonight that the new Asics running shoes I bought a couple weeks ago have Microban in them. :( Luckily I haven't worn them yet so I can take them back!

[essnce629]

I was at Target today and wanted to get a new wide tooth comb to use in the shower. The ONLY kind they had were the ones with Microban in them!!!!!! WTH???

[kristal]

ugh..this is disgusting..we've been using a number of products on the contaminated list (colgate total, antibac handwash, dish wash)
and to think this has been seeping into my breastmilk makes me sick!!!!!

btw picked up a tom of maine's toothpaste at TJs the other day, but that has SLS in it.. will be returning it.

[TwinFoxes]

I was at Target today and wanted to get a new wide tooth comb to use in the shower. The ONLY kind they had were the ones with Microban in them!!!!!! WTH???

So funny you wrote this. A couple of months ago the same thing happened while I was looking for a comb at Target. I've been anti-triclosan for a long time, so I skipped them. I thought it was so weird. Exactly how disgusting is your head that you need an anti-bacterial comb!

[mommylamb]

Remind me again what microban is and why it's bad. I'm still dealing with the crocs thing and I'm grrrr....:32:

[maestramommy]

Remind me again what microban is and why it's bad. I'm still dealing with the crocs thing and I'm grrrr....:32:

What crocs thing??

microban is triclosan, which is being reviewed by the FDA for hormone disruption and making for resistant bacteria.

[JBaxter]

Ive been searching and I cant seem to find where they do. Anyone know for sure? Their site says nothing about it

Features ( from the website) say nothing about antimicrobial


- FUN and Colorful animal shaped shoes (pat. pending)
- "Footprinter™ Bottom" (pat. pending) Each shoe bottom features the footprints
*of the animal that the shoe represents. Step in mud, sand, dirt or water and
*leave footprints behind.
- Superior fit as compared to competitors.
- Comfortable.
- Molded Soft Foam Construction.
- Easy on/off for young children.
- Easy to clean: Styles made exclusively of foam material can be hosed off,
*washed with a damp sponge and mild soap or machine washed
*(cold water wash, gentle cycle, DO NOT tumble dry – air dry only).
*Styles incorporating other materials, like faux fur, can be wiped with a
*damp sponge and mild soap and air dried.
- Waterproof closed cell foam material.
- No Waste Manufacturing - all excess material created from molding process is recycled.
- Environmentally friendly packaging - tags and hooks made from recycled paper and plastic, minimal packaging used.
- Environmentally friendly water based adhesives used in manufacturing.

[MoJo]

I was wondering about the original Dawn too. I switched to that two years ago when I read that baby bottles/nipples shouldn't be washed with anti-bacterial dishsoap. I checked my bottle Friday and it doesn't say it's there, but then I saw someone posted Saturday that it is in Dawn.

Anyone know?

[Melaine]

Hold the phone! Are you guys telling me something is wrong with Crocs? I've been out of town so probably missed some recent threads. I don't want to hear this, but please fill me in....

[Melaine]

Argh Argh Argh Argh

Great. Is triclosan the new BPA? ARGH.

[kristac]

I could be wrong but I would think they would put it in the description if it was antimicrobial- seems to be a selling point of shoes.

[JBaxter]

Ive looked for an hour now. I feel safe LOL.

[hellokitty]

Perhaps you all know this but as it is new to me I will share...did you know that Microban is the brand name for triclosan when used in footwear, protective wear and sporting gear. Its brand name when used in fibers is BioFresh. Its marketing hook is that it eliminates odors and that it lasts for the lifetime of the item.
Microban is even in scissors http://bp1.blogger.com/_pgfweJM0aC0/SITKjWKiiiI/AAAAAAAACn8/HsDASwYQJhs/s320/PICT0003-1.JPG (http://stanford.wellsphere.com/linkOut.s?link=http%3A%2F%2Fbp1.blogger.com%2F_pgf weJM0aC0%2FSITKjWKiiiI%2FAAAAAAAACn8%2FHsDASwYQJhs %2Fs1600-h%2FPICT0003-1.JPG)
Aww...come on!!

UGH, I bought those exact scissors on clearance at Target a month ago! I know that target's shopping cart with the double child seats in the front have microban too...

[hellokitty]

I was at Target today and wanted to get a new wide tooth comb to use in the shower. The ONLY kind they had were the ones with Microban in them!!!!!! WTH???

Check dollar tree, they have those combs. Not sure if they have the microban or not, maybe not, b/c maybe it costs more?

[hellokitty]

Sam's Clubs brand - Members' Mark EcoResponsible. It says that it uses plant-based and biodegradable cleaning agents, no phosphates. Citrus scent.

I have been using that for months and really like it, although sometimes I feel like I have to use a little more of it, than compared to dawn or joy, but the price was decent and it's more, "natural," so I'm willing to deal with that. The scent is really mild too and non-obtrusive, b/c I'm sensitive to scents.

[calv]

From what I can tell researching online, it is only in the Dawn Antibacterial soap, not the standard dish soap (looked on the label of the regular blue that I own and it is not listed).

FWIW, I just bought a big container of eco-friendly dish soap from Sam's (thought it was dishwasher soap!) and the lady at checkout raved about it and said it was as good at grease as Dawn. I haven't tried it yet, though.

where do you look on the bottle? I stocked up on a ton of the dawn simple pleasure soaps when target had them at 75-90% off. How do I know what's in it?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=dawn+simple+pleasures&aq=0&aqi=g2&aql=&oq=dawn+simple+pl&gs_rfai=


this is all so very interesting yet scary! I'm still reading everyone's replies. thank you so much for your knowledge/help

[mommylamb]

What crocs thing??

microban is triclosan, which is being reviewed by the FDA for hormone disruption and making for resistant bacteria.

I've only looked quickly at these threads, but in one of them someone said this stuff was in crocs too. Apparently it keeps plastic stuff like crocs from getting gross and smelly from bacteria.

Of course, the FDA is just looking into this right? It's not like they've come to a conclusion yet??

ETA: there's another thread going right now specific to crocs and microban, and it seems there's a question as to whether it's actually in there.

[mamicka]

Right now I'm just sticking my head in the sand on this one. I can't add this to my plate right now. Of everything on that list, Crocs is the only one that applies to me.

[Aishe]

I wondered the same thing so I emailed customer service last night. I'll let you know when they respond.

[kristal]

deleting msg

[MontrealMum]

Argh! How did I miss this thread becoming active again, or were two threads combined?

As you know, I'm a big fan of Merrells - I have lots of foot and knee problems and they're just so darn comfy. Anyways, I looked at the women's Jungle Moc (which is what I have and is one of the most popular models). It does not have microban, but rather "Aegis antimicrobial solution". However, from what I can tell, Aegis has triclosan as well so the distinction is moot. It seems to be in the liner of most of the adult models.

I also checked out several of the kids Merrells ( My First Merrell, Jungle Moc Jr, Sprint Jr., Encore Chill Slide) since DS has several pairs. I see no mention of any of these being antimicrobial. I *do* see mention of the Aegis stuff in their more tennis-shoe-like kids shoes though :(

I don't have time to do a lot of research on this right now, maybe someone would like to contact their cs?

[egoldber]

Merrells are near and dear to us as well. It will be harder to give up than Crocs! I e-mailed their CS over the weekend, but I have yet to hear back.

ETA: And I think all the triclosan threads were combined this morning or late Sunday.

[calv]

I got merrils for myself and DD at the REI super sale and I think they shoudl go back. BOOO HISSSSSSSS! Darn it!!!

[ewpmsw]

Just curious - Do you want the microban/antimicrobial? Is there something I should know about it being unhealthy and/or undesirable? I get antimicrobial shoes for DN every summer. TIA.

[MontrealMum]

Merrells are near and dear to us as well. It will be harder to give up than Crocs! I e-mailed their CS over the weekend, but I have yet to hear back.

ETA: And I think all the triclosan threads were combined this morning or late Sunday.

Thanks for the info Beth, and please let us know if you hear from the CS! I'll try to contact them as well when I have a bit more time. I also *just* got a new pair of Merrells for DS in the REI sale in the next size up. We don't even have them in our possession yet!

[chinook]

I'm glad triclosan is finally getting looked at here in North America - it's been banned in most European countries for years! Every time I go into B&BW with a friend I have to give them the lecture about the triclosan in ALL of their hand soaps - I just cringe when I see people with bag loads of that stuff.

I'm a nurse in an area where we teach people about the care of their central venous catheters, or peripheral IV's, or about dressing changes etc. We DISCOURAGE people from using antibacterial soap, plain old soap is fine and it's the friction of the handwash that actually does the job so they just need to scrub! We also discourage the use of refillable soap dispensers unless they are washing them really really well between refills because they can get so unbelievably contaminated over time.

Alcohol hand rubs are fine - alcohol kills bacteria differently than Triclosan and is not associated with causing bacterial resistance.

[sewarsh]

Where does it say Crocs contains microban? I just called and they said No. Does anyone know? Just trying ot determine if its definately factual. thanks.

[sewarsh]

MERRELL UPDATE: I called and spoke to a customer service rep who said she has been in contact with a product development specialist regarding the Triclosan issue (apparently she's received multiple calls about it in the past few days).

Anyways, she said that a few years ago Merrill water sandals were made with Triclosan, but they discontinued that couple of years ago.

She also said that all other footwear has/is made with an antimacrobial agent called Aegis that has been tested and proven to be safe to the environment and non-toxic. contains no silver or copper by-products.

Granted, she may or may not know what she is talking about, but she seemed to know exactly what i was getting at and gave me the right answers, so for now, i'm feeling better. :)

[JTsMom]

You know what I don't get? How does Triclosan/Microban/etc. stay in the products and continue to work? Does it wear out at some point? You would think it would have a shelf-life, kwim?

[DrSally]

We also discourage the use of refillable soap dispensers unless they are washing them really really well between refills because they can get so unbelievably contaminated over time.

.

Uh oh. Are you saying the inside of the pump gets contaminated? I refill with Castille soap and distilled water. I rinse the container out with hot water btwn used. I don't think they could handle the dishwasher, b/c they're pretty thin. Maybe I could do a swish of diultued bleach before refilling?

[ThreeofUs]

Uh oh. Are you saying the inside of the pump gets contaminated? I refill with Castille soap and distilled water. I rinse the container out with hot water btwn used. I don't think they could handle the dishwasher, b/c they're pretty thin. Maybe I could do a swish of diultued bleach before refilling?


:47: Makes perfect sense, but *carp* I hadn't thought of that. Do you think the plastics they use can handle the bleach, though? I'm thinking I need to go to glass or ceramics on my refillables, which is kinda sad given they are repurposed containers.

[DrSally]

:47: Makes perfect sense, but *carp* I hadn't thought of that. Do you think the plastics they use can handle the bleach, though? I'm thinking I need to go to glass or ceramics on my refillables, which is kinda sad given they are repurposed containers.

Hmmm, IDK, I use these Dial foamers that are *really* think plastic. Maybe I should just go find some glass ones I can put in the dishwasher. But...Where to find a glass foamer. I really need foamers b/c otherswise DS uses way too much soap and doesn't rinse it all off.

[essnce629]

We also discourage the use of refillable soap dispensers unless they are washing them really really well between refills because they can get so unbelievably contaminated over time.


Would those new automatic touchless soap dispensers solve the contamination issue then since you'd only be touching it to refill the soap. My grandma asked for one for Christmas for her kitchen and I got her one of the ones from BB&B. Maybe I should look into replacing all my soap dispensers with these. They have 3 different kinds.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=16063959

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15080728

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=16768022

[s7714]

Would those new automatic touchless soap dispensers solve the contamination issue then since you'd only be touching it to refill the soap. My grandma asked for one for Christmas for her kitchen and I got her one of the ones from BB&B. Maybe I should look into replacing all my soap dispensers with these. They have 3 different kinds.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=16063959

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15080728

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=16768022

Oooo, I've thinking a automatic touchless soap dispenser would be nice since our foaming pump gets so filthy from the kids washing their hands. I didn't realize there were versions on the market other than that Lysol? one that's been advertised a lot right now. Thanks for the links! :)

[ett]

Oooo, I've thinking a automatic touchless soap dispenser would be nice since our foaming pump gets so filthy from the kids washing their hands. I didn't realize there were versions on the market other than that Lysol? one that's been advertised a lot right now. Thanks for the links! :)

But wouldn't these only work with regular soap? Don't the foaming soap have a special pump?

[chinook]

I have a plastic one (foaming type) that I do re-use for the kids and I rinse it with hot hot water, then a bleach solution soak, then more hot water. I also scrub the whole thing as well as I can. Probably not ideal, but it makes a feel a *bit* better.

I've seen those foaming dispensers but my kids are pretty little and still touch all over where the soap comes out, so that would defeat the purpose for me.

[essnce629]

The AsSeenOnTv brand of automatic soap dispenser seems to get better reviews than the Simplehuman ones (people say they leak, battery compartment corrodes, stops working). It's not as pretty though.

http://www.taylorgifts.com/item/liquid_motion_touchless_soap_dispenser/29786

[Penny's Pappa]

:47: Makes perfect sense, but *carp* I hadn't thought of that. Do you think the plastics they use can handle the bleach, though? I'm thinking I need to go to glass or ceramics on my refillables, which is kinda sad given they are repurposed containers.

Dilute bleach (<10%) should be fine. Any more and you could risk encouraging some species to sporulate (enter into a protective, dormant state).

But really, are we really talking about bleach sanitizing the inside of a soap dispenser?!? Sorry, but that sounds like overkill, and quite frankly, just plain silly. Rinse it out with hot water, refill it with soap, and don't worry about the germs that might get left behind because as soon as you turn around and touch something you're going to contaminate your hands with them anyway.

[essnce629]

Ok, so I just went ahead and ordered 3 AsSeenOnTv Liquid Motion Touchless Soap Dispensers from getorganized.com. They were $19.98 each, so a lot cheaper than the Simplehuman ones, and I found a coupon code (AFGX4810) for 10% off and flat rate shipping of $4.95. So it came out to $58.93 shipped and I went through ebates for an additional 7% cashback. There's also a 20% off coupon code (DLTKERGO), but that came out to more money since then you don't get the flat rate shipping and shipping ends up being a little over $12.

Just wanted to share in case anyone else wants some touchless dispensers!

[BelleoftheBallFlagstaff]

The AsSeenOnTv brand of automatic soap dispenser seems to get better reviews than the Simplehuman ones (people say they leak, battery compartment corrodes, stops working). It's not as pretty though.

http://www.taylorgifts.com/item/liquid_motion_touchless_soap_dispenser/29786

DO NOT buy the SH one, it was horrible. Wasted $40 on one! Piece of carp.

[chinook]

Dilute bleach (<10%) should be fine. Any more and you could risk encouraging some species to sporulate (enter into a protective, dormant state).

But really, are we really talking about bleach sanitizing the inside of a soap dispenser?!? Sorry, but that sounds like overkill, and quite frankly, just plain silly. Rinse it out with hot water, refill it with soap, and don't worry about the germs that might get left behind because as soon as you turn around and touch something you're going to contaminate your hands with them anyway.

Hmmmm....calling it silly seems a *little* bit insulting to me. Refillable dispensers get chock full of fecal coliforms, so I'm going to go ahead and be "silly" and bleach out my refillable dispensers to try and save us gut rot and/or UTI's.

[essnce629]

DO NOT buy the SH one, it was horrible. Wasted $40 on one! Piece of carp.

Yeah, the main one only got 3 1/2 stars on Amazon which is why I went with the AsSeenOnTv one. It had excellent reviews and was half the price of the SH ones.

[s7714]

But wouldn't these only work with regular soap? Don't the foaming soap have a special pump?

Yes, they would. I wasn't considering the auto-dispenser ones because they were or were not a foaming dispenser (or for anything pertaining to this whole triclosan mess)--only because I'm tired of having to wash off our soap dispenser because it's filthy! Sorry for sidetracking the conversation!

[ThreeofUs]

Refillable dispensers get chock full of fecal coliforms, so I'm going to go ahead and be "silly" and bleach out my refillable dispensers to try and save us gut rot and/or UTI's.


This is killing me. How do these things live in a soap container?

Thanks for the info, chinook. I really had no idea.

[TwinFoxes]

Just curious - Do you want the microban/antimicrobial? Is there something I should know about it being unhealthy and/or undesirable? I get antimicrobial shoes for DN every summer. TIA.

This might help.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=355967&highlight=triclosan

It's been known for awhile that it may lead to bacterial resistance. Being looked at by the FDA as a hormone disrupter is new.

[fortato]

I figure he's going to step in worse if he is barefoot...

We love our Polliwalks...way less clunky than Crocs.

[DrSally]

This is killing me. How do these things live in a soap container?

Thanks for the info, chinook. I really had no idea.

That's what I'm wondering too. How do these things get into the dispenser?

[egoldber]

This is the reply that I got from Merrell:


Good afternoon Beth,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Merrell. Please note the following shoes that we manufacture that do not contain the Aegis® antimicrobial solution treatment: Siren Song Mid Sport Gore-Tex, WaterPro Pandi, Encore Chill Stitch, and the Jungle Moc Pro.

We used to use a product called "Microban" that had Triclosan, but we stopped using it. We now use Aegis as our anti microbial that does not contain this chemical. If you have further questions please contact us. Thank you and have a great day.

[ett]

You know what I don't get? How does Triclosan/Microban/etc. stay in the products and continue to work? Does it wear out at some point? You would think it would have a shelf-life, kwim?

:yeahthat: I'm wondering the same thing. I can't imagine this stuff lasting on products forever.

[chinook]

Their best opportunity for getting in there is when people make direct contact with the soap outlet with their dirty hands (as oppsed to letting the soap plop out onto them, IYKWIM). Soap dispensers are dirty anyway since, obviously, people touch them with dirty hands, but I think it's the hand-to-soap contact that's the problem. For some reason in the studies the fecal coliforms in particular seemed to THRIVE inside the soap containers.

This is why soap dispensers in hospitals have changed. They don't "refill" anything really, they pop in a whole new container/soap spigot combo, so that it's a fresh system every time (except for the outside plastic housing attached to the wall).

[DrSally]

Their best opportunity for getting in there is when people make direct contact with the soap outlet with their dirty hands (as oppsed to letting the soap plop out onto them, IYKWIM). Soap dispensers are dirty anyway since, obviously, people touch them with dirty hands, but I think it's the hand-to-soap contact that's the problem. For some reason in the studies the fecal coliforms in particular seemed to THRIVE inside the soap containers.

This is why soap dispensers in hospitals have changed. They don't "refill" anything really, they pop in a whole new container/soap spigot combo, so that it's a fresh system every time (except for the outside plastic housing attached to the wall).

Interesting. Thanks for the explaination.

[ewpmsw]

Well, shoot. Thanks, TwinFoxes.

[bubbaray]

I don't have time to review the whole thread, but was doing some reading on the microban website.

Microban is used in mattresses (Sealy), countertops (silestone), all sorts of stuff.