Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed into law a bill to ban triclosan in products used for personal sanitation or cleansing of the hands or body. The only exception to this ban is for any product that has been specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for consumer use.

The FDA is also taking a closer look at the use of triclosan. In fact, the agency issued a proposed rule on Dec. 16, 2013 that would require manufacturers to provide more substantial data to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of antibacterial soaps. The proposed rule covers only those consumer antibacterial soaps and body washes that are used with water. It does not apply to hand sanitizers, hand wipes or antibacterial soaps that are used in health care settings such as hospitals.

According to the Huffington Post, the move by Minnesota signals the first U.S. ban on triclosan. Despite being widely used nationwide as a germ-killing ingredient in soaps, deodorants and even toothpaste, there are concerns that have recently come to light about triclosan’s effects on health and the environment.

Animal studies have shown that it can disrupt hormones critical for reproduction and development, as well as contribute to the development of resistant bacteria. There is also no evidence that triclosan soaps are any more effective than washing with plain soap and water for preventing the spread of diseases.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes triclosan as an antimicrobial active ingredient contained in a variety of products where it acts to slow or stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mildew. The EPA expressed concerns about triclosan’s environmental and ecological impacts, including its effects on animals and organisms in nature.