Down the Drain and Into the Lakes of Minnesota: A Public Health Concern

What's The Issue?

I heard about this concerning public health issue from a co-worker of mine.  The University of Minnesota conducted a research study to test the water quality of Minnesota lakes, and found overwhelming amounts of the chemical triclosan, an antibacterial agent found in many consumer products such as antibacterial soaps, in all eight lakes that were tested.  This issue is raising concern, being that this chemical is directly contaminating the state’s drinking water supply. 

 “Triclosan is not currently known to be hazardous to humans. But several scientific studies have come out since the last time FDA reviewed this ingredient that merit further review.  Animal studies have shown that triclosan alters hormone regulation. However, data showing effects in animals do not always predict effects in humans. Other studies in bacteria have raised the possibility that triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.”  

(FDA, 2012)

What Can WE do as nurses? 

This is a concerning public health issue.  We as nurses can make a difference.  Think about how much antibacterial soaps are used in a healthcare settings…Now think,what if we, as nurse leaders, made sure to only purchase soaps that did not contain harmful chemicals such as triclosan.  We, as nurses, also have the ability to educate our patients and communities about the harmful side effects associated with triclosan, and teach them how to choose products that are safe. 

 

 

To read the full Star Tribune article, click on the link below.

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/189451681.html?refer=y