Daily Mail Letters' Page
Dear Sir,
Your article “Two minutes to perfect teeth” (Daily Mail 19th April)
stated that toothpastes containing triclosan are being removed from sale this
week: “suppliers including Marks & Spencer, Asda and Tesco are replacing
affected brands”.
I would like to point out that this statement is inaccurate. Tesco and Asda have
not removed these brands from their shelves, and Marks & Spencer is reviewing
its own brand toothpaste.
The media coverage linking triclosan with adverse health effects was prompted
by recent research which showed that very small amounts of chloroform can be formed
when triclosan reacts with excess chlorine and speculating on the future possibilities.
This reaction would not occur in normal conditions in the home.
Triclosan is used in controlled amounts in cosmetic and toiletry products because
of its excellent antibacterial properties. Its use is strictly regulated by the
European Cosmetics Directive which specifically approves the use of triclosan
based on its safety profile.
Unfortunately, interesting chemistry research has been taken out of context and
used to alarm consumers unnecessarily. The use of triclosan in cosmetic and toiletry
products is safe and consumers should continue to use these products with confidence,
taking advantage of the real benefits provided.
Yours faithfully
Dr Christopher Flower
Director – General
Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association
Josaron House
5–7 John Princes Street
London W1G 0JN
Tel: 020 7491 8891
Fax: 020 7493 8061
e-mail: cflower:ctpa.org.uk
website: www.ctpa.org.uk
Home | Contact
| Archive | Forum
| Opale | Diamond
| Liquid | Rinse
| Why Janina | Media
| Clinical | Buy Online
| Other Outlets | FAQs
| Sitemap