In the Bathroom: What is triclosan?

Each day we use chemicals all through our homes. Since we typically associate the bathroom with cleanliness and health, I thought it was appropriate to start there. Not only do we use products to clean the bathroom (toilet cleaner, glass cleaner, bleach, tub and tile cleaner, etc.) but we use products to clean our bodies (shampoo, body wash, soap) and to care for our bodies (lotions, perfumes, makeup, hair products). I think that as a culture we have become obsessed with anti-bacterial products. Anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizer are staples in most public restrooms and have made their way into our homes as well.  So I have to admit that I LOVE the foaming soaps from Bath and Body Works. I have been known to buy at least six bottles at a time, depending on the current sale (because you KNOW that Bath and Body Works always has some kind of sale). Then about a year ago I started really paying attention to this crazy little chemical called triclosan. It's an anti-bacterial that seems to be in everything from hand soap to bed sheets!
From the FDA:
"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.
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.
In light of these studies, FDA is engaged in an ongoing scientific and regulatory review of this ingredient. FDA does not have sufficient safety evidence to recommend changing consumer use of products that contain triclosan at this time."
As a family we decided to quit buying hand soap that contained triclosan. I don't think it's worth the risk and as long as you wash your hands with soap and warm water thoroughly, you actually don't need the anti-bacterial. I kept thinking that I should really write a letter to Bath and Body Works asking them to remove triclosan from their products and was shocked when I received a coupon for their "newly formulated" soaps that are no longer considered anti-bacterial products because they dumped triclosan.
It seems to be a pervasive ingredient that you have to be vigilant about though because my husband discovered it in his body wash (not from Bath and Body Works).