Antibacterial overload
It is estimated that a staggering 90 tonnes of
the antibacterial agent triclosan goes into consumer and household products
in the UK every
year. It can
be found in items like washing up liquids, plastic kitchen utensils,
toothpastes, deodorants and soaps. Triclosan builds up in the environment
and is toxic to aquatic life – it has been found in the bodies of fish
and in human breast milk.
It is an unnecessary addition to most products and in the last few years,
government authorities in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Germany have issued
press statements discouraging people from using antibacterial household
and personal hygiene products. Concerns have also been raised about the
potential for encouraging bacterial resistance and research has suggested
they could even be hormone disrupters.
What can I do?
Consider whether you really need antibacterial products in your home. Read labels and use less antibacterials.
For further information please contact WWF Scotland: phone 01350 728200, email info@watersense.org.uk, or write to WaterSense, c/o WWF Scotland, Little Dunkeld, Dunkeld, PH8 0AD