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“Despite
their recent proliferation in consumer products, the use of antimicrobial
agents such as triclosan in consumer products has not been studied extensively.
No data exist to support their efficacy when used in such products or
any need for them…” American Medical Association (AMA)
(2000)
The association between hand hygiene and prevention of infection has been well recognized. Antibacterial products are marketed with claims that they are ‘twice as effective as ordinary soap’ and ‘more effective at removing germs than conventional soaps.’ However, soaps and other sanitizers that contain triclosan are not proven to be more effective in preventing normal household illnesses than ordinary soap and water.
A systematic review of research assessing the risks and potential benefits associated with the use of soaps containing triclosan found that data do not support the effectiveness of triclosan for reducing infectious disease symptoms or bacterial counts on the hands when used at the concentrations commonly found in consumer antibacterial hand soaps.
| Here are some guidelines on keeping clean without antimicrobials:
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Resources
- Anti-microbial hand washes for domestic use (International Journal of Consumer Studies, 2001)
- Hygiene of the Skin: When Is Clean Too Clean?(Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2001)
- Consumer Antibacterial Soaps: Effective or Just Risky? (Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2007)
- Effect of Antibacterial Home Cleaning and Hand Washing Products... (Annals of Internal Medicine, 2004)
Alternatives
The use of products containing antibacterial compounds such as triclosan
give consumers a false sense of security because they have been shown
to be unnecessary and ineffective, while the risks for human and environmental
health continue to mount.
Beyond Pesticides
recommends that you avoid using products containing triclosan. Make sure
to read the
label first on all soaps, cosmetics and other household items, including
toys. See list of products that contain
triclosan.