You may not know what Triclosan is, but you might be surprised how many items in your house contain Triclosan. Triclosan was developed in the 1960’s for use in hospitals as a means of controlling bacterial infections. It’s an antibacterial substance that is now found in hand sanitizers, hand soaps and even toothpaste and mouthwash.

We’ve gone kind of crazy with our desire to rid our lives of bacteria. Paranoid might be a better word. And manufacturers are feeding that paranoia. Every day you see more products that claim to kill bacteria – from toys to bedding to kitchen utensils.

But here’s what you need to know: Triclosan has been found to impair muscle function and disrupt the endocrine system. It readily is absorbed through skin and can enter the bloodstream. Not to mention that you’re likely to swallow small amounts of it when you brush your teeth or use mouthwash.

Do you really want something in your body that reduces thyroid function? How about if it prevents muscle contraction? Especially considering the heart is a muscle. Check your labels. Seek out products that do NOT contain Triclosan.