TOOTHPASTE brand Colgate could produce a cancer-causing gas when mixed with water, a U.S. researcher warned.

Triclosan, a chemical in the product, could react with the chlorine in tap water to produce chloroform gas, according to Peter Vikesland, assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering, of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Chloroform can cause depression, liver problems and, in some cases, cancer if inhaled in large enough quantities.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China said it was closely watching the matter. China forbids the use of triclosan in cosmetics, but had no rule on its use in toothpastes.
Chinese experts said it was not necessary to panic.

A British newspaper Evening Standard investigation also found dozens of products on supermarket shelves containing triclosan, including Colgate, Aquafresh, Dentyl and Sensodyne.

词汇：

chlorine n.[化]氯

chloroform n.氯仿vt.用氯仿麻醉

depression n.沮丧, 消沉, 低气压, 低压

inhale vt.吸入vi.吸气

cosmetic n.化妆品adj.化妆用的

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