Truly Healthy Hygiene

Antibacterial Products

You would think that a product labelled as “antibacterial” would be better at germ killing than a conventional product. But this is only true for professional grade antibacterial products used by hospitals, not the more diluted products made for home use. Consumer antibacterial products don’t kill germs or prevent the spread of diseases any better than hand washing with regular soap. Research suggests using the products over the long run may help to develop “super” germs resistant to antibiotics. While this has not been proven, many feel it needs to be a consideration in the dialogue about the products. Other experts are concerned about the environmental impact of the millions of pounds of antibacterial agents that find their way into the water supply annually.

Harm to aquatic life forms has been observed by the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, and the environmental risks are likely growing greater as people continue to use large quantities of these products. Last time the CDC checked, 75% of both adults and children had positive urine tests for the most commonly used antibacterial agent, triclosan. Higher income subjects tended to have the most triclosan in their systems. In most cases levels were low, but some scientists argue that given proven damage to the environment, potential negative health effects, and no demonstrated benefit, there is no case for using the products.

You can avoid buying products with the most widely used antibacterials: triclosan and triclocarban. Not all products specifically list these ingredients, but you can avoid any product labeled as “antibacterial.” Wash your hands and clean your house with plain old soap and water.