WARNING!
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Triclosan, an antimicrobial agent used in some soaps, toothpaste, detergents, toys and other products, has been a source of growing concern. Early evidence suggests it may disrupt hormones, increase allergies, irritate skin and cause thyroid problems, leading federal authorities to label it a “contaminant of emerging concern.”A new study, published in Science Translational Medicine, adds another item to the list of grievances. Food scientist Haixia Yang and her colleagues at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, found that mice fed triclosan developed inflamed colons and tumor cells. Triclosan also reduced the number of bacterial species colonizing their stomachs—a worrisome finding, given diversity is integral to gut health.—JW