Findings in a recent study have raised concerns over the use of a very commonly used chemical, Triclosan. This chemical is considered as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent and is majorly used in majority of the body-care products, including toothpastes, soaps etc. It has been warned that the chemical is responsible for the lowering of muscular strength.

The lead author of the study, Isaac Pessah from the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine highlighted that the chemical is majorly used and is persistent in the environment.

However, results of the study have warned that the product is a matter of worry, as it may deteriorate the health of human and also affect the environment.

The study has been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The team of researchers carried out a series of experiments on mice, to assess the consequences of the chemical on the muscle activity. The dose of the chemical used was equal to that used by humans every day.

Pessah said, "In test tube experiments, triclosan impaired the ability of isolated heart muscle cells and skeletal muscle fibers and muscle movements, including heartbeats to contract".

Further, it was detailed that the chemical lowered the muscle strength of the mice by 18%.