Triclosan, an antimicrobial agent, is what makes antibacterial soap antibacterial. The stuff can be found in everything from face wash to dish liquid to deodorant, and it's a registered pesticide.

Despite triclosan's ubiquity, research shows that the chemical is quite toxic. Studies show that triclosan can spawn more potent strains of bacteria. These strains are oftentimes resistant to antibacterials and antibiotics, creating drug-resistant diseases like MRSA. Research also shows that triclosan can increase allergies in children, and the substance harms aquatic life. According to Food & Water Watch, triclosan "affects reproduction in lab animals, produces toxic chemicals such as dioxin and chloroform when it reacts with other chemicals like the chlorine in water, irritates skin in humans and might even cause cancer." All this from a chemical that's supposed to make soaps better for you.

Because so many of the triclosan-loaded products on the marketplace end up washing down drains and into waterways, this toxin also regularly shows up in our food and water supply.

The EPA is currently considering a triclosan ban. Until that happens, it's important for consumers to push stores to adopt their own triclosan bans. Whole Foods claims to care about the health of consumers and the environment. Tell the store to only carry triclosan-free products.