Amid growing questions in the media and general public about its effectiveness as well as safety, the chemical triclosan, which has been marketed as a disinfectant in industrial and consumer products since the 1970s, has been banned for use by state agencies in Minnesota.

Through an executive order issued by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton back in April 2011, all state agencies by next month will stop purchasing hand soaps and dish and laundry cleaning products.

State agencies in Minnesota are required to implement plans for reducing pollution and toxics, increase energy efficiency and conserve natural resources.

The state announced it has been successful in establishing new contracts for hand soap and dish and laundry cleaning products that are triclosan-free, although use of the chemical may still be allowed in some medical or other specific settings.

Scientific data has shown triclosan, an ingredient in products such as hand soap, toothpaste, cleaning products, fabric, toys, kitchenware and industrial pesticides, "is antibiotic resistant and causes health and environmental problems," a Minnesota state news release said. "There is no evidence that triclosan provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water. Triclosan-free products are readily available in many stores."

The state's assessment of the chemical follows a number of consumer-oriented warnings that triclosan poses a possible risk to users, while a posting at the USFDA Webiste says the chemical is actually safe and provides known health-protecting benefits.

"Triclosan is not currently known to be hazardous to humans. But several scientific studies have come out since the last time FDA reviewed this ingredient that merit further review," said the USDA informational site posting. "Animal studies have shown that triclosan alters hormone regulation. However, data showing effects in animals don't always predict effects in humans. Other studies in bacteria have raised the possibility that triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics."

Therefore, "FDA is engaged in an ongoing scientific and regulatory review of this ingredient," said the agency, which notes it currently does not have enough evidence to recommend changing consumer use guidelines for products that contain triclosan.

Nonetheless, said Cathy Moeger, sustainability manager at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, "by purchasing items without triclosan, state agencies are doing their part to keep this harmful chemical out of Minnesota waters."