"Triclosan: Is Bath & Body Works' New Soap Harmful To Teens?"

"Health and environmental groups have mounted a campaign against Bath & Body Works, urging the retailer to stop selling its line of 'Summertime Scent' soaps that contain triclosan, a chemical categorized as a pesticide.

Scientific studies have linked triclosan to hormone disruption, which could be hazardous to teenagers whose bodies are still developing.

'A chemical like triclosan that can disrupt hormones and may affect fetal growth and development does not belong in our soap,' said Lisa Archer, director of the San Francisco-based Campaign for Safe Cosmetics at the Breast Cancer Fund. 'Studies show that triclosan is no more effective at preventing illness or removing germs than soap and water.'

The line, which includes products with names like 'Tangelo Orange Twist' and 'Sugar Lemon Fizz,' is marketed to teenagers using the slogan 'spread love, not germs.'"

Ashlie Rodriguez reports for the Los Angeles Times' Greenspace blog July 18, 2011.