Air date: July 25, 2010

Host: David Crabb, MD

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Interview: Douglas Throckmorton, MD, Deputy Director for Regulatory Programs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration

The FDA has announced it’s going to review an antibacterial chemical known as triclosan, an an antibacterial agent that is found in everything from soaps to cosmetics to toothpaste to toys. Triclosan stops the growth of
bacteria, fungus, and mildew. It also deodorizes.

Now, however, the Food and Drug Administration is conducting safety review of triclosan because it’s been found to alter hormones in tests on animals.

Sound Medicine’s Dr. David Crabb spoke with Dr. Douglas Throckmorton, deputy director at the FDA, about the safety of products that include this chemical.

Additional Resources:

• The Environmental Protection Agency also posts useful informatation about the safety of products containing triclosan.
• What consumers should know about triclosan, from the FDA.
• An FDA panel says using regular soap (without triclosan) is just as effective as antibacterial soaps.