EcoWaste Coalition calls for removal of triclosan and triclocarban from cosmetic products

Philippines’ harmful chemicals watch group EcoWaste Coalition has urged personal care and cosmetic products (PCCP) manufacturers to phase-out triclosan and triclocarban.

The move follows the group’s recent call for banning the chemicals from soaps ahead of the US-wide ban set to begin in September this year.

Used as anti-microbials in personal care products, the chemicals triclosan and triclocarban are considered as a source for toxic and carcinogenic compounds such as dioxins, chloroform, and chlorinated anilines.

EcoWaste's coalition representative Rene Pineda said: “We call upon the manufacturers of PCCPs to cease from using triclosan and triclocarban in product formulations after scientists reached a consensus that these substances are environmentally persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals that bioaccumulate in and are toxic to marine organisms.”

The chemicals are included in the 19 anti-bacterials that are being banned by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the manufacturers were unable to validate their long-term safety and efficacy.

EcoWaste Coalition’s call is said to be based on the documents submitted by more than 200 scientists and medical professionals, detailing the hazards due to common use of the chemicals.

Researchers further reported that overuse of these chemicals may result in antibiotic or antimicrobial resistance.

The watch group recommends assessment of the safety and transformation products of antimicrobials during manufacture, long-term use, disposal, and environmental release.