Antibacterial soap is defined as any cleaning product to which active antibacterial ingredients have been added, such as: Triclosan, Triclocarban/Trichlorocarbamide and PCMX/Chloroxylenol. These chemicals in antibacterial soaps and products kill bacteria and microbes, but have little to no effect in killing viruses. Your common household colds and flu are caused by viruses and therefore, antibacterial products will not prevent them from spreading.
Triclosan can be found in more than 700 antimicrobial-infused products such as deodorants, toothpastes, mouthwashes and over 70% of all liquid soaps. It can also be found in any number of consumer products marketed under the trade name Microban such as fabrics, cutting boards, kitchen utensils, toys and trash bags, to name a few.
There is much controversy brewing over antibacterial soaps and whether they are safe and effective. Triclosan has been shown to be effective in reducing and controlling bacterial contamination on the hands and on treated products. On the flip side, there are concerns about the formation of impurities that can cause adverse health effects. Allison Aiello, the lead researcher at the University of Michigan determined that most antibacterial cleansers “probably don’t kill more bacteria or fight off infectious illness any better than regular soaps”. Scrubbing with any type of soap and hot water helps loosen germs and dirt, and rinses them down the drain.
The American Medical Association recommends that these antibacterial products should not be used in the home and is concerned that excessive use will lead to bacterial resistance to antibiotics. These antibacterial soaps can actually kill off the harmless and beneficial bacteria along with the bad. According to Dr. Stuart Levy from the Tufts University School of Medicine “there is considerable evidence that some exposure to bacteria in the environment is actually beneficial because it helps the immune system develop.” We need to be exposed to germs so that our bodies can build up immunities. Many believe that there should be restrictions placed on these antibacterial products for consumer use in our homes, but at the same time advocating for use within medical institutions, daycares and nursing homes where they better serve their purpose.
Set aside the debate over whether antibacterial soaps are beneficial or not, but instead look at the chemicals used and how they may affect your health. For example, a study by researchers at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University found that when “triclosan reacted with tap water it formed dioxins, which in combination produces chloroform gas. When imitating dishwashing conditions, researchers found that triclosan reacts with free chlorine in tap water to form significant quantities of chloroform. Chloroform is classified as a probable human carcinogen. Dioxins are highly carcinogenic and can cause health problems as severe as weakening of the immune system, decreased fertility, altered sex hormones, miscarriage, birth defects and cancer. This raises serious concerns about other types of triclosan containing products, such as toothpastes and hand soaps, which can be expected to similarly produce chloroform when they come in contact with tap water”.
A Swedish study found high levels of triclosan in three out of five human milk samples, indicating that triclosan does in fact get absorbed into the body, often in high quantities. A 2005 study finds triclosan in umbilical cord blood of infants, demonstrating that babies are exposed to triclosan while still in the womb.
Beyond Pesticides, a National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides, along with several well-known groups submitted a citizen petition to the FDA and EPA to ban all non-medical uses of triclosan based on many studies and research. Visit their website for more information on the ban.
There are a few measures we can take to eliminate use of these products in our home. Frequently washing our hands using just plain soap and hot water is a start. When soap and water is not available, use of alcohol based hand sanitizers are recommended. There are also alternative products to Clean and Disinfect Against Bacteria & Viruses.
For the latest report from the FDA, read Triclosan: FDA’s Latest Report.
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