BOSTON -- Rep. Edward Markey of Massachusetts called on manufacturers to remove triclosan, a chemical used in many anti-bacterial products, WCVB-TV in Boston reported.

The ingredient is part of hundreds of everyday products, from soap to shoes. But recent scientific studies suggest it may be harmful.

Markey wants the companies, including Proctor and Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive, to voluntarily remove the chemical, which is added to products to kill bacteria, fungus and odors.

"Triclosan is a chemical which we know has real problems," said Markey. "I'm going to continue to press that triclosan is not any longer used as part of a manufacturing process when it comes to food, kids, toys, soap. It's unnecessary."

Markey's remarks came after studies done on lab animals showed that triclosan may affect growth and development by disrupting the body's hormones. The products are likely to be in many bathroom and kitchen cabinets, including anti-bacterial soaps, toothpastes and deodorants.

"Estrogens, testosterone and other natural essential parts of our biological function are being mimicked, and you can imagine how confusing that's going to be on our system," said Professor David Kriebel of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

The FDA and EPA say studies on triclosan raise some concerns, but both agencies say products with triclosan are safe. A new update on the FDA's Web site tells consumers that "Triclosan is not currently known to be hazardous to humans. But several scientific studies have come out since the last time FDA reviewed this ingredient that merit further review."

"The industry will tell you that there's no evidence that it's harmful to humans," said Kriebel. "Be careful when they say that. That's different from saying we have evidence that it's safe for humans."

It's not just the products themselves where people find the chemical, according to Markey. It gets into rivers and drinking water. The EPA has no immediate plans to re-evaluate triclosan's effects until 2013.

Markey wants the FDA to ban the chemical, since the agency has previously stated that many products with triclosan have no added health benefit.

"I think consumers can do two things immediately," said Kriebel. "One is to avoid synthetic organic chemicals when something like plain old soap and water will do just as well. Secondly, let their elected representatives know that it's time for comprehensive chemicals reform."