As the reports of life threatening bacteria has grown, like the super bug or the flesh eating bug, and outbreaks of contamination in the food industry increased, many people have turned to antibacterial products to kill germs and protect their family. Products containing antibacterial agents have been on the rise since the 1990's and now includes over 700 products. With the popularity of these products growing, experts are wondering if they do more harm than good.
Two antibacterial agents currently in use are triclosan and triclocarban. They are added to such products as soaps, lotions, dental care products, and kitchen cleaners. They have also been used as coating for toys and cutting boards as well as plastic wraps.
These products were first developed in the hospital setting for use by surgeons and operating personnel to decrease bacterial infections. Now these products are readily available and inexpensive due in part to expired patents.
No Benefit Over Regular Soap
These antibacterial agents after they are added to soaps are touted as providing superior cleaning over regular soap preventing infections and reducing bacterial transmission. However, studies have not shown that antibacterial agents provide more prevention or reduce bacterial transmission better than regular soap and water.
Environmental risks
There is concern that use of these products may lead to bacterial resistance, leading to less susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics and treatment of the infections more difficult. They will also have an impact on the environment. Triclosan may not be completely removed by wastewater treatment and has been found on surface water where sunlight degrades it to digoxin, a harmful chemical. Environmentalists do not know how antibacterial agents as pollutants affect humans.
Antibacterial agents Target Hormones
Triclocarban has been shown to interfere with normal hormone activity and production which may lead to fertility problems and developmental abnormalities. Triclosan has been shown to interfere with a particular cell signaling in the heart and brain and other cells linking it to decreased fertility, cancers, allergies, and weakened immune systems. Scientists at UC Davis have coined triclocarban and triclosan as “Endocrine Disruptors (EDs)”.
However, this is preliminary science and further study is required. Even the authors of the study at UC Davis state this is the first study documenting how these agents affect humans and it warrants further study.
What Consumers Need To Know
Consumers need to realize, that there are studies that show antibacterial agents MAY be harmful, but more study is needed. Antibacterial soaps do not decrease infections any better than plain soap and water. It is the mechanical movement of scrubbing the hands, rinsing, and the length of time soap is in contact with the skin that makes the difference. Be sure to use regular soap and warm water and wash for at least 15 seconds. If no water is available, the alcohol based washes (Purell, etc) would be appropriate to use. Remember, if hands are visibly dirty, soap still needs to be used.
References:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/114795.php.
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071207150713.htm - 50k
Efficacy and safety of antibacterial soaps for home use. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2005;21(12):211205
Jenee Violett - I have been a pharmacist for 15 years in various sites. Most of my articles regard drugs, reactions, interactions, uses, etc. I have only ...
