Researchers from the University of California recently found that a common ingredient in many liquid hand soaps, shampoos and even toothpastes can trigger liver cancer. The ingredient researchers are worried about is called triclosan.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, triclosan is classified as "an antibacterial agent added to products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination."
Researchers found that mice exposed to the chemical for six months, equivalent to about 18 human years, became more susceptible to liver tumors than the control group. Others say triclosan becomes even more harmful when combined with other compounds.
The FDA says it doesn't have enough evidence to recommend an end to the use of triclosan in consumer products. The U.S. state of Minnesota, however, is currently looking into legislation that would ban products containing the chemical.
