Think antibacterial soap is good for you?
A recent article in commondreams.org lists recent studies about the toxicity of the active ingredient, Triclosan which is used in antibacterial soaps.
“Antibacterial Agent no Better Than Soap & Water and its Toxic”
“Triclosan is an antibacterial agent used in many everyday products including liquid hand soap, dishwashing detergent, mattresses, shower curtains, bathtubs, and cutting boards. Federal agencies continue to allow its use despite the fact it may be toxic to the developing fetus and child, and pollutes mothers breast milk.”
“Triclosan has been linked to cancer in lab animals, has been targeted for removal from some stores in Europe for its health and environmental risks and the American Medical Association recommends against its use in the home…”
Read more about it here:
So what should you use when you wash your hands? Plain soap and water is best.
Pesticides Found in Soap, Toothpaste and Toys
The other thing that makes anti-bacterial soap bad is that bacteria evolve in mere nanoseconds, and achieve resistance, making for stronger bacteria.
I also heard that you’re not so much killing off dangerous bacteria, as taking that 0.01 percent of resistant bacteria the stuff can’t kill, and proceeding to rub it *all over* your hands. Broke that habit pretty quickly.
@Sara – Ick! I keep trying to tell my mother that, but she is still resistant to just using regular soap.
I’ve heard of this time and time again. I know many people that use the antibacterial soap and I have tried to let them in on the effects of the active ingredient. Just use soap is what I say! By the way, I just ran into your blog a few days ago and love it! I’ve already learned so much from you posts – great work.
Thanks Suzanne! Its nice to have you here.
[...] Carla of Green and Chic: Thank you for taking the guesswork out of buying natural personal care products. I love that you don’t just inform us about the harmful ingredients in commercial products, but provide alternatives. I couldn’t agree more with your post on The Danger Of Antibacterial Soap. [...]
Nice post u have here
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