HAND SOAP MAY WEAKEN MUSCLES

Germ killer in hand soap may weaken muscles

Triclosan is commonly found in antibacterial personal-care products such as hand soaps as well as deodorants, mouthwashes, toothpaste, bedding, clothes, carpets, toys, and trash bags. "Triclosan is found in virtually everyone's home and is pervasive in the environment," says Isaac Pessah, principal investigator of the study. "These findings provide strong evidence that the chemical is of concern to both human and environmental health." (Credit: wabisabi2015/Flickr)

UC DAVIS (US) — A chemical widely used in soaps, toothpaste, and toys weakens muscles in mice.

Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical, hinders muscle contractions at a cellular level, slows swimming in fish, and reduces muscular strength in mice, according to researchers at the University of California, Davis, and the University of Colorado. The team reported full findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.