Newsletters 2012
Winter 2011-2012
- In this issue
- Triclosan and Antibiotics Resistance
- Mercury in Compact Fluorescent Lamps
- Effects of Biocides on Antibiotic Resistance
The most recent publication put on line summarises the answers to several questions given by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of DG SANCO about the use of biocide Triclosan and the risk of antibiotic resistance : it follows the summary of the SCHNIR report published in October on whether or not the common and widespread use biocides such as disinfectants, preservatives and antiseptics, may lead to the emergence or proliferation of harmful bacteria that are resistant to both biocides and antibiotics. GreenFacts is also proud to announce the first publications of a new format, the “citizen summaries” which summarize in a single page and and in an even more accessible way some of the scientific Opinions expressed by the scientific committees of DG SANCO. |
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Triclosan is a commonly used antibacterial product. Although it is widely used, in cosmetics and cleaning products for instance, very little is known about the amount of it that ends up in the environment and about its effect on bacteria in those conditions. One possibility is that bacteria might become resistant to it after being exposed to small amounts in the environment, and that this resistance might help bacteria resist antibiotics. Is the continued use of triclosan as a preservative in cosmetic products safe? This question is answered by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Commission which examined newly available scientific information and issued an "Opinion on triclosan (antimicrobial resistance)". Read more »
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Conventional incandescent lamps are in the process of being replaced with more energy-efficient lamps, mainly compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Fluorescent light has been used for many years in overhead fluorescent tubes without causing any problems.The answers to these questions are proposed in a faithful summary of the scientific opinion produced in 2010 by the Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER): "Opinion on Mercury in Certain Energy-saving Light Bulbs". Read more »
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| Note that GreenFacts previously published in 2008 a summary of an Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) about Energy-Saving Lamps & Health with a focus on the light emited by these lamps and its potential effects on persons who are light sensitive. |
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The answers to these questions are a faithful summary of the scientific opinion produced in 2009 by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR): "Assessment of the Antibiotic Resistance Effects of Biocides (2009)" Read more »
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| Citizens' Summaries available |
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2012 - 2009 - 2008/2007 - 2006 - 2005 - 2004 - 2003
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