Antibacterial soaps and cleansers are common household items in the United States, but increasing evidence shows that a chemical found in many cleansers, known as Triclosan, may cause health problems.

The website of the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) states that animal studies have shown that Triclosan alters hormone regulation.

The FDA will rule on the safety of the chemical by the end of 2013.

Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett reports from Washington.