It's not even safe to wash your hands or brush your teeth any more. Here is more proof that everything causes cancer.

Dozens of toothpastes sold at supermarkets are at the centre of a cancer alert today.

Anti-bacterial cleaning products, including dishwashing liquid and handwash, are also affected.

Researchers have discovered that triclosan, a chemical in the products, can react with water to produce chloroform gas. If inhaled in large enough quantities, chloroform can cause depression, liver problems and, in some cases, cancer.

I checked my roll of toothpaste, and the anti-gingivitis ingredient, Triclosan, is listed as an active ingredient at 0.3%. It's hard to imagine that 0.3% of that little dab of toothpaste would react with the trace amounts of cholorine in tap water and create any significant amount of chloroform gas. Besides, it was already said that chlorinated tap water causes cancer years ago.

But if you are truly worried about it, just brush your teeth with bottled water. Or don't use water at all, except to rinse.

UPDATE: Here is the best part (added for Brian J.): "Marks& Spencer confirmed today it was removing products containing triclosan from all its stores and has been working with Greenpeace to develop alternative products."