Is new technology good for us or killing us?

I read an article in the local newspaper last weekend about antibacterial soap and the chemical Triclosan.  When I found out that Triclosan was in Colgate toothpaste, I went to my medicine cabinet and looked to see what kind I was using.  Yep, it was Colgate.  I promptly started reading the package.  On the tube of toothpaste was a warning to stop using the toothpaste after 4 consecutive weeks. 

This morning I heard the local DJ on the radio call a specialist in the area about the same subject.  The specialist said that Triclosan was so bad for you that even the hospitals in the area are no longer using antibacterial soap.

This caused me to do some research.  Discovery Fut & Health has a great article about antibacterial soap and Triclosan.  The FDA says that it can cause issues with hormone levels and is concerned about the use of products with Triclosan, but it is not anything to worry about.  The article in The Washington Post has this quote from the Deputy Director of the Center for Dug Evaluation and Research. 


"For triclosan, the science is changing," Throckmorton said. "Based on what we know, we don't have evidence to suggest this chemical is a threat to human health. However, we have to understand better the health effects and we have to work with other agencies to collect that information and then decide whether or not we need to change how it's regulated."

With this new scare of yet another chemical in so many products, I wonder, is all this new technology that is suppose to help us live longer really killing us.  I know that I am allergic to artificial sweeteners.  Especially Aspartame.  Aspartame is now in just about every gum that is made.  I have to ask restaurants what kind of lemon aid  they use, because most of them have aspartame.

A friend told me a couple of weeks ago that she is losing her hearing which is a side affect of drinking large amounts of caffeine.  It is just crazy how much chemicals and excess consumption of anything can cause such havoc on the human body.

It really does make me want to just clean out my house of any kind of chemicals and processed foods.  Of course I wouldn't have much left in my house.  I have found a couple of toothpaste recipes that I may try as well as look in the Tightwad Gazette (I am pretty sure she had a toothpaste recipe in there). I will no longer buy Colgate toothpaste, and I will be using a lot of vinegar and lemon to clean my house.  This will save me some money that is for sure.

Have you made any changes in your normal cleaning products because of the chemicals?