NEW YORK (AP) -- A New York federal appeals court says environmental activists can try to prove that a chemical found in some soaps is potentially dangerous.

On Friday, the 2nd U.S. Circuit of Appeals in Manhattan reinstated a lawsuit by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The group had sued the Food and Drug Administration to force it to finalize its regulation of triclosan (TRY'-kloh-san).

The chemical is found in antibacterial soap, toothpaste and other consumer goods. The FDA has said it is looking into animal studies suggesting triclosan can disrupt hormone levels.

Government lawyers had no comment.

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