Triclosan + Chlorine =Chloroform

Are you ready for a chemistry experiment ? If, like the vast majority of people you use a toothpaste containing Triclosan and have elements of chlorine in your water then you are all set!.

Did you know that this ingredient and chlorine mixed together can make chloroform? What does chloroform do - well, get too much and you die!

Seems a bit drastic for just brushing your teeth, don't you think?

This ingredient is also found in anti-bacterial products such as soaps and lotions. It might also be listed as Microban.

As you would expect it does kill off some types of bacteria.

Using anti-bacterial products can give us a false sense of security.

When we wash with anti-bacterial soap, shampoo or other product it seems like we have destroyed an enemy - and have won the battle against dirt and germs!

But not all germs are our enemy! As more and more people are becoming aware, many forms of micro-organisms and bacteria are actually beneficial.

The trouble is that triclosan does not distinguish between good bacteria and bad bacteria.

Good bacteria helps your body fight invaders.

Extensive use of anti-bacterial agents lowers your immune systems ability to function. As a result you are more susceptible to illness & disease.

You may or may not see the actual ingredient named on the label. Look for claims like "anti-bacteria" and "kills germs" to clue you in - and just don't buy them!.

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