In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule instructing companies to stop selling over-the-counter consumer antibacterial soap products containing the harmful chemicals triclosan and triclocarban. The ruling comes after manufacturers failed to demonstrate that the ingredients are safe for long-term daily use and more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illness and the spread of certain infections.
For more than four years, Praxis Mutual Funds® has encouraged companies to develop safe chemicals policies and products, and has been in conversation with manufacturers and retailers regarding so-called chemicals of concern.
These substances, commonly found in personal care products, have been linked to health problems including cancer, infertility, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Triclosan and triclocarban are two chemicals that Praxis has asked companies to phase out.
In response to pressure from consumers and investors, a number of major product retailers and manufacturers are reducing consumer exposure to hazardous chemicals in everyday products, putting them ahead of the recent FDA ruling. This ruling likely will spur companies to phase out more chemicals of concern, in anticipation of potential future regulation.