Prohibits the sale of cleaning products containing triclosan, triclocarban or derivatives of such antibacterial compounds

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Leroy Comrie says this is needed

Triclosan is a phenyl ether or chlorinated bisphenol, which has been used as a synthetic broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent since the early 1970s. Triclosan can be found in an array of consumer products, such as antibacterial soaps, dishwashing products, shampoos, conditioners, laun- dry detergents and softeners. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found no evidence that triclosan in antibacterial soaps are more effec- tive against germs than regular soap and water. Several studies have found large amounts of triclosan in surface waters, soil, sediments, and algae. In 2013, a University of Minnesota study found increasing amounts of triclosan in Minnesota's freshwater lakes.; The study also found several chlorinated triclosan derivatives, which form when triclosan is exposed to chlorine during the wastewater disin- fection process. Studies have also found evidence of triclosan in New York State waterways. A United States Geologic Survey (USGS) study found triclosan to be one of the most frequently detected compounds in wastewater contaminants. Over 95 percent of the uses of triclosan are in consumer products that are disposed of dowh residential drains. Since wastewater treatment plants are unable to completely remove triclosan from the water and the compound is highly stable for long periods of time, an increasing amount of triclosan is emitted into waterways. Triclosan has also been found to be toxic to aquatic life and algae. Given the potential environmental impacts associated with triclosan, it is imperative that the state take appropriate measures to protect the environment from further exposure to this chemical.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.