Dayton issues order against products with triclosan

ST. PAUL — Gov. Mark Dayton has ordered all state agencies to stop buying products that contain the chemical compound triclosan.

The executive order says agencies must end purchases of hand soap, laundry soap and other products containing triclosan by June.

Recent research by the University of Minnesota found the compound is increasingly found in the state's rivers and lakes. When exposed to sunlight, triclosan and its derivatives form dioxins that could harm the environment.

State officials say Minnesota will use its collective buying power and contracts for hand soap and dish and laundry cleaning products that are triclosan-free.

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