Food Allergies Linked to Soaps, Toothpaste

Antibacterial Chemicals Linked to Food Allergy

A Johns Hopkins study further antibacterial chemicals and preservatives found in personal-care products, like soap and toothpaste, with the increases in food and environmental allergies.

In a June 18, 2012 Hopkins press release, lead investigator Jessica Savage, M.D., stated, "We saw a link between level of exposure, measured by the amount of antimicrobial agents in the urine, and allergy risk, indicated by circulating antibodies to specific allergens”. Researchers were quick to point out that they are not saying these chemicals CAUSE allergies, rather that they may play a role in the increases seen in allergies.

Specifically, the study looked at seven ingredients- bisphenol A (found in plastics) and triclosan, benzophenone-3, propyl, methyl, butyl and ethyl parabens (found in personal-hygiene products and some foods and medications). This study found that triclosan, as well as propyl and butyl parabens were associated with increased allergy risk. Food allergy risk was more than twice as pronounced in children with the highest levels of urinary triclosan as in children with the lowest triclosan levels.

Many of us have been saying for years, "there's got to be something causing all these allergies". We do need to take a closer look at chemicals added to products, foods and medications to pro-long shelf life or for marketing purposes. As other studies get underway, I know I'll be looking even more closely at ingredient labels on our personal care products. If a product contains triclosan or parabens, I'll find another.