NYT: Why triclosan lives on in toothpaste

The FDA banned antibacterial chemicals from soaps and other personal care products last week, but some toothpastes that contain triclosan have been “demonstrated to be effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis,” according to an FDA spokeswoman who spoke to The New York Times. Before approving the toothpaste in 1997, the agency requested that the Colgate-Palmolive company conduct toxicology studies, and the FDA ultimately decided it was safe and effective. (The New York Times)