Antimicrobial Soaps Are Far Too Dangerous

Super Clean Is Bad

The use of antibacterial soaps is increasing as a result of 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. The key chemical component in antibacterial soaps, triclosan, has been linked to two serious health issues as early as 2005, according to Virginia Tech researchers. First off, 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 that were resistant to some of the more widely used antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol.

An environmental chemist at Virginia Tech, Dr. Peter Vikesland, had the following to say regarding antibacterial soaps: "This is the first study that we are aware of that demonstrates common household items like antimicrobial soap can generate sizable amounts of chloroform." When using antimicrobial soaps to wash dishes or when taking a shower, there are a variety of possible exposure paths that may be imagined, such as inhalation and skin exposure. Additionally, using moisturizers containing triclosan puts you at risk of exposure because they could react with the chlorine in the water."

Describe Triclosan.

A synthetic antibacterial ingredient called triclosan is present in many different products. A growing array of personal care items, such as cosmetics, antimicrobial creams, acne treatments, lotions, hand soaps, and dish washes, are using it because of its broad spectrum, and bacteria-fighting capabilities. When used in plastics and clothes, triclosan is marketed as Microban® and as Biofresh® when used in acrylic fibers. Triclosan is a pesticide that is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency even though it is effective in killing germs (EPA). Pesticides are substances created to eliminate specific types of living things. Triclosan is rated as having a high risk to both human health and the environment by EPA.

Why is chloroform such a problem?

Chloroform is produced when triclosan, the main component of antibacterial soaps, interacts with the chlorine in tap water. Chloroform is a substance that suppresses the central nervous system and promotes cancer. When it comes to interactions with chloroform, the U.S. Department of Labor has rigorous regulations. Chloroform inhalation for an extended period may result in neurological and psychiatric symptoms such as moodiness, hallucinations, and sadness. One study found that 17 of 68 workers who had been exposed to low amounts of chloroform for one to four years had enlarged livers. Because ethanol intensifies chloroform's harmful effects, alcoholics are more in danger from it.

Some bacteria have health benefits.

The microorganisms on your skin are a natural defense mechanism for your skin. Healthy bacteria on your skin work to keep colonies of harmful bacteria at bay. Without the beneficial microorganisms, the harmful ones might take control and lead to infections and other skin issues. By using antibacterial soap to eliminate all the beneficial bacteria, you put yourself at risk for serious issues. Using antibacterial soaps on a regular basis is comparable to taking antibiotics for every small cold or sneeze. The use of all antibacterial products should be limited to prevent the emergence of bacterial strains that are resistant to them. Antibiotics are more likely to be useful if they are only used when absolutely necessary.