Antibacterial compounds are found in toothpastes and mouthwashes to cutting boards, cling film and clothing...

The most widespread of these is an organochlorine compound called triclosan. Triclosan is very persistent, bioaccumulates, and is a suspected endocrine disrupter with a structure very similar to the essential thyroid hormone thyroxin. It can convert to a chlorinated dioxin on exposure to sunlight, although not the most toxic dioxin, TCDD.

Given recent research which shows that excessive use of antibacterial products may increase the likelihood of auto-immune conditions like asthma and other allergic responses, caution should be exercised in the selection and use of these compounds.