Chemical linked to cancer found in Colgate

Houston Chronicle | August 13, 2014

New research found that a cancer-causing chemical is used in one of the top-selling toothpastes. A Bloomberg News investigation found triclosan, an antibacterial chemical, in Colgate Total.

Triclosan was approved by the Food and Drug Administration back in 1997. The initial toxicology reports used to justify the use of the chemical were put together by scientists connected to Colgate, according to a recently released Freedom of Information Act report. Colgate assured the FDA, the only risk when using the chemical was when it was eaten or absorbed in large doses, according to the Daily Mail.

The chemical has been linked to reduced fertility in mice and to lowered sperm production in rats, according to the Daily Mail. The Daily Mail also reported more than 10 years ago, triclosan was found in the urine of 75 percent of more than 2,000 Americans tested.

The FDA is now facing criticism for not doing its due diligence in studying the chemical before it was approved.

Source: http://www.chron.com/news/health/article/Chemical-linked-to-cancer-found-in-Colgate-5686652.php