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

1 Co-sponsor

• George Latimer

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibiting the sale of cleaning products containing triclosan, triclocarban or derivatives of such antibacterial compounds

Purpose

The bill would prohibit the sale of cleaning products containing triclosan, triclocarban or derivatives of such antibacterial compounds.

Summary of provisions

Amends the environmental conservation law by adding a new section 37-0115, which would prohibit any person, firm, partnership, association, limited liability company or corporation from selling or offering for sale any cleaning products containing triclosan, triclocarban, or derivatives of such antibacterial compounds, within New York State. This section shall not prohibit the sale of such products that are used solely in medical facilities. The bill would also authorize the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to promulgate rules and regulations in order to implement these provisions. The bill also contains civil penalties for violation of its provisions.

Justification

Triclosan is a phenylether 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, laundry detergents and softeners. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found no evidence that triclosan in antibacterial soaps are more effective 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 disinfection 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 down 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.

Legislative history

2014: A8697b

Fiscal implications

None to the state. EFFECTIVE DATE : This act shall take effect one year and six months after it shall have become a law.