Antimicrobial Soaps Are Far Too Dangerous

 The use of antibacterial soaps is increasing due to efforts to live up to the proverb "cleanliness is next to godliness." Although using soap frequently is beneficial, antibacterial soaps come with some significant dangers. According to Virginia Tech researchers, the key chemical component in antibacterial soaps, Triclosan, has been linked to two serious health issues as early. First, utilizing the soaps exposes users to potentially high levels of the carcinogen chloroform. Additionally, regular use of these soaps leads to an unhealthy balance of germs on the skin that are resistant to antibiotics. They discovered bacteria resistant to some more widely used antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol.

Environmental chemist at Virginia Tech had this to say about antibacterial soaps, "This is the first work that we know of that suggests that consumer products, such as antimicrobial soap, can produce significant quantities of chloroform. Numerous potential exposure pathways can be envisioned, such as inhalation and skin exposure, when using antimicrobial soaps to wash dishes or when taking a shower. There is also a risk of exposure when using triclosan laden moisturizers as they may also react with chlorine in the water."Triclosan is a synthetic antimicrobial agent found in a wide variety of products. Its broad spectrum the bacteria-fighting ability have made it popular in an ever-increasing number of personal care products, cosmetics, antimicrobial creams, acne treatments, lotions, hand soaps, and dish soaps. Triclosan goes under the trade name when used in plastics and clothing and  when used in acrylic fibers. Even though Triclosan is effective at killing bacteria, it is registered as a pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill some life form. The EPA considers Triclosan a high risk for human health and the environment.                                    When Triclosan, the active ingredient in antibacterial soaps, reacts with the chlorine in the tap water, chloroform is created. Chloroform is a central nervous system depressant and cancer-causing compound. The  Department of Labor has strict guidelines regarding contact with chloroform. Chronic inhalation of chloroform may cause psychiatric and neurological symptoms, including depression, hallucinations, and moodiness. In one study, liver enlargement was demonstrated in 17 of 68 workers exposed to chloroform at low levels for 1 to 4 years. Alcoholics are more at risk from chloroform because ethanol increases chloroform's toxic effects.
Some Bacteria are Good for You
The bacteria on your skin are part of your skin's natural defense mechanism. Your skin uses healthy bacteria to keep colonies of unhealthy bacteria at bay. Unhealthy bacteria can take over and create infections and other skin problems without healthy bacteria. Destroy all the healthy bacteria with antibacterial soap, and set yourself up for big problems. The constant use of antibacterial soaps is similar to antibiotics for every little cold or sneeze. All antibacterial products should be used sparingly, so that resistant strains of bacteria do not develop. Using antibiotics only when necessary ensures they will remain effective when the need arises.
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Some bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance when exposed to long-term, low doses of antibiotics. Resistant bacteria must be treated with other, sometimes stronger antibiotics. In rare instances, no known medication will kill the bacteria. It is wiser to use antibiotics sparingly and for a shorter duration. The constant use of antimicrobials, as in the antibacterial soaps, creates a real long-term health hazard, one that is easily avoidable with regular soap.