Among olfactophobic Americans, few chemicals are more commonly used than hexachlorophene. An antibacterial agent that supposedly helps to prevent offensive odors by inhibiting the growth of the germs that contribute to them, hexachlorophene is a common ingredient of soaps, shampoos, and toothpastes as well as special preparations used to wash newborn babies. But is it safe? Not for babies, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Although there is no proof that hexachlorophene has harmed humans when used according to directions, the FDA sent a warning last week to 600,000 doctors and health officials, declaring that...
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