ANN ARBOR, Mich.—Young people who are overexposed to
antibacterial soaps containing triclosan may suffer more
allergies, and exposure to higher levels of Bisphenol A among
adults may negatively influence the immune system, a new
University of Michigan School of Public Health study suggests.
Triclosan is a chemical compound widely used in products such as
antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, pens, diaper bags and medical
devices. Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in many plastics and, for
example, as a protective lining in food cans. Both of these
chemicals are in a class of environmental toxicants called
endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), which are believed to
negatively impact human health by mimicking or affecting
hormones. Using data from the 2003-2006 National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey, U-M researchers compared urinary
BPA and triclosan with cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody levels and
diagnosis of allergies or hay fever in a sample of U.S. adults
and children over age 6. Allergy and hay fever diagnos