Clipping of news on Brazilian Culture, Law and Citizenship
9/14/2016
This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.
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Regulatory agency says substances present can cause health damage
reproduction
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of 19 chemical ingredients in antibacterial soaps marketed in the United States.
According to the agency, these substances, including triclosan, common in liquid soaps, and triclocarban, which is present in most bar soaps, have not been shown to be more effective than traditional ones. to health.
"Consumers may think antibacterial soaps are more effective at preventing germs, but there is no scientific evidence that they are better than plain soap and water. Some data, moreover, suggest that antibacterial ingredients can do more harm than good in the long run, "said Janet Woodcok, director of the FDA's drug division.
According to Theresa Michele, who works in the personal care area of the FDA, 40% of non-medical products on the market contain at least one of the ingredients now banned.
Manufacturers have one year to comply with the new rules, and some have even begun to take the ingredients out of their products. The ban does not include antiseptic gel, moist tissue or antibacterial products used in hospitals and health centers.
Safety Evidence
By 2013 the agency had asked manufacturers to provide evidence to prove the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients. However, the FDA said that the material received was not satisfactory in relation to the 19 components present in these products. Three other compounds - benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and chloroxylenol - are still under review by the agency and, for the time being, have not been banned.
Discordances
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI), which represents the manufacturers, claims that these soaps are safe. "Antibacterial soaps are key to health because of the importance of clean hands in preventing infections. Washing your hands with antiseptic soaps may help reduce the risk of infection, rather than washing with water and non-antibacterial soap, "the ACI said in a statement.
On the other hand, the Environmental Working Group welcomed the announcement of the ban. "This decision by the FDA is a major victory for human health and the environment," said Ken Cook, co-founder and president of the group, which advocated a ban this decade.
What Anvisa says
Anvisa reported in a statement to the Veja portal that in Brazil there are 215 products reported as antiseptic soaps containing Triclosan and 110 with Triclocarban. According to the agency, Triclosan has its intended use for any personal care product, cosmetic or perfume with the function of preservative in a maximum concentration of 0.3%. The component may also be used with other functions or concentrations as long as its safety and efficacy are scientifically proven.
Anvisa noted that "it has taken note of the recent data related to the risks arising from the use of these substances in cosmetics and is studying the need to revise the regulations."
Source: Veja
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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.