This rather alarmist headline should provoke some thinking on our part and our medical staff. When I was still doing therapy there were antibacterial stations into every therapy station and we were expected to use them prior to any therapy. Myself being one-handed I would only ineffectually do my good hand. But that does lead to the question, should survivors even use this stuff on their affected hands/arms? Research needed, but ask your doctor first.
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/08/14/chemical-in-many-antibacterial-soaps-linked-with-impaired-muscle-function/
Only 6 paragraphs here, rest at the link.
Introduced in the 1970s, the compound triclosan has become an
increasingly popular ingredient in many antibacterial soaps and other
personal-care items, such as deodorants and mouthwashes. However, as
the chemical’s popularity continues to grow, a recent report has raised
concerns about some frightening risks that triclosan could pose to
public health.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
has revealed that exposure to triclosan is linked with muscle function
impairments in humans and mice, as well as slowing the swimming of fish.
By reducing contractions in both cardiac and skeletal muscles, the
chemical has the potential to contribute to heart disease and heart
failure.
The researchers from the University of California, Davis, and the
University of Colorado decided to examine the possible effects of
triclosan due to recent literature raising health concerns about the
chemical, as well as substantial increases in its production.
“We consider [triclosan] a high volume chemical,” Dr. Isaac Pessah,
professor and chair of the Department of Molecular Biosciences in the UC
Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, as well as the study’s lead
author, told FoxNews.com. “Its production levels are quite high, and
the levels in humans have been increasing since it was first used as an
antibacterial agent in the early ‘70s. So the body levels in humans –
including plasma, urine and breast milk – have been steadily
increasing.”
“The levels in the environment have been increasing as well, because
it can’t all be trapped in the treatment plants,” Pessah added about
triclosan’s prevalence. “[Companies] try to prevent some chemicals
getting out past the water treatment plants so they can dispose of them
in a different way, but they can’t capture all of [triclosan] because
there is so much of it.”
Primarily used in antibacterial hand soaps, triclosan can also be
found in a number of bath and household products, including mouthwashes,
toothpastes, deodorants, bedding, washcloths and towels, kitchen
utensils and toys.
No comments:
Post a Comment