'Toxic' Toothpaste: Cancer-Linked Chemical Triclosan Found in Top-Selling Brand

The chemical triclosan has been linked to cancer-cell growth and disrupted development in animals. Though many regulators are still feuding over whether it's safe to put the products in soap and other items, any American can easily find it today in the top-selling toothpaste, Colgate-Palmolive Co.'s Total.

The antibacterial chemical is allegedly safe, according to Colgate officials. Total received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in 1997.

However, an investigation by Bloomberg found that the product showed that "some of the scientific findings Colgate put forward to establish triclosan's safety in toothpaste weren't black and white."

A 35-page study on Colgate's toxicology studies examining triclosan had previously been withheld from public view. With recent Bloomberg investigation, the agency released the findings. 

The recently released pages and new research on triclosan raise new concern; should the product still carry the same ingredients in light of recent findings?

"We have created a system where we are testing these chemicals out on the human population. I love the idea they are all safe," said Thomas Zoeller, a biology professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who specializes in how chemicals affect the endocrine system, via Bloomberg. "But when we have studies on animals that suggest otherwise, I think we're taking a huge risk."

Triclosan was reportedly found to cause fetal bone malformation in mice and rats. Though Colgate said the findings weren't relevant, the Bloomberg scientists believe the endocrine system as well as hormonal functioning could be disrupted.

Endocrine-related illnesses include breast, ovarian, prostate and testicular cancers that can be diagnosed at a young age.