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Common soap antibacterial "new type of endocrine disrupter"

Researchers from the University of California have found that exposure to the commonly used antibacterial triclocarban causes an alteration in gene expression in human cells that is normally seen with exposure to testosterone. In rats, exposure caused abnormally enlarged prostate glands. This is the first time an endocrine disrupter has been shown to increase the effects of hormones rather than blocking or damping their activity. The antibacterial has been used in the USA and Europe for nearly 45 years, usually found in bath soaps.

• Endocrinology journal full study

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