A push to regulate chemicals in soaps is gathering momentum with a statement signed by researchers, medical professionals and scientists who are looking to garner support for a global ban.

Also called the Florence Statement on Triclosan and Triclocarban, 200 signers are looking for a worldwide ban on these two antibacterial compounds, used since the 1960s in products like detergent and toothpaste.

The chemicals stay in the environment and spread to soil and waterways. The FDA said the chemicals disrupt hormone systems, with possible effects on physiological development.

Rolf Halden is Director of the Biodesign Center for Environmental Security at Arizona State University. He said this is a global environmental issue.

The FDA banned the compounds from a number of hand and body washes in 2016. There is a partial ban on triclosan in the European Union.