Antibacterial Soaps

The first antibacterial liquid hand soap exploded onto the market in 1995, claiming to be ten times more effective at eliminating disease carrying germs than regular liquid soap. (This claim is based on the effectiveness of the active ingredient Triclosan when used at full strength not in the lower concentrations allowed in hand soaps.)

In the eleven years since, antibacterial soaps have become a 16 billion dollar a year industry, adding shampoo, dishwashing detergent, toothpaste and various household cleaners to the “antibacterial” list. Today, 75% of liquid soaps and over 30% of bar soaps in the US are antibacterial, all containing the synthetic chemical triclosan.

Triclosan is extremely drying and has been found to damage or even kill skin cells. It can also form the probable human carcinogen chloroform when exposed to chlorinated water.

Triclosan is toxic to aquatic organisms. It has been found in rivers and can concentrate in fish tissues.

In addition, scientist are concerned that the over use of antimicrobial products can lead to the development of resistant strands of bacteria. Triclosan targets genes in the bacteria, rendering them unable to reproduce. This action may actually encourage the mutation of the cells into resistant strains.

Many doctors believe the presence of a moderate amount of microorganisms helps strengthen a child’s immune system.

Most viruses and bacteria are not harmful and may be beneficial in ways we do not yet understand. Children raised in too sterile an environment are more likely to suffer from asthma and allergies. The triclosan in antibacterial soaps does NOT discriminate between good and bad bacteria.

The best way to prevent the spread of infectious germs is the frequent washing of hands with warm, soapy water.

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