Triclosan is used as an antimicrobial and is found in many products ranging from non-prescription drugs and cosmetics to household cleaning products. It is highly regulated by Health Canada and is not considered to pose any human health risks. However, Triclosan is known to be harmful to the environment due to its toxicity to fish and marine invertebrates. This has reduced the number of Triclosan-containing cosmetic products by 80% between 2011 and 2016. But further action is being done in both the US and Canada.
Following a study conducted by the FDA, it was determined that using triclosan-containing products such as antiseptic hand soap has not proven to be more effective in preventing illnesses than simply using hands with plain soap and water. Triclosan therefore has not been generally recognized as safe and effective. Thus, the FDA has banned the use of Triclosan and 23 other active ingredients in antiseptic products.
In Canada, in addition to setting limits of Triclosan in cosmetics and OTCs to 0.3%, and 0.03% in mouthwash, Environment Canada has proposed the Pollution Prevention Planning Notice (P2 Notice) on Triclosan, requiring manufacturers to implement a P2 Plan to minimize Triclosan pollution/waste. A stakeholder consultation meeting is stated to be held January 19, 2018.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Focal Point Research Inc. We are leading Canadian regulatory and Health Canada consultants for Natural Health Products, OTC Drugs, Cosmetics, and other personal care products.
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