Antibacterial Soap:
More Sickening Than Safe?

It seems that antibacterial soap is all the rage today, despite what the CDC¹²⁵ and other agencies say about its use.

We keep hearing of outbreaks of malicious bacterial infections that are contagious and have led to a bombardment of germ fighting products (that is what they claim to do) in the market in the form of antibacterial soaps, handwash, sanitizers, floor cleaners etc. These products claim to keep the homes of the consumers free from germs.

Although these claims make the consumer dish out extra money in the hope of being protected from bacterial infections and therefore sanitized against diseases, the research claims otherwise.

Today, we can boast of our scientific developments and achievements but there are certain things that should be left in their natural state without us humans tampering with the laws of nature and trying to alter science to suit our needs.

The Truth About Triclosan

There is one substance that is present in these 'germ-free' products called Triclosan, which is actually the main antibacterial ingredient.

You may not even find its name present in the list of ingredients/composition on the product but this chemical is almost inevitably present in all conventional cleaning products that claim to be 'germ free', 'bacteria free', 'odor fighting' and so on.

Triclosan is actually a biocide that kills microbes and is hazardous to human, animal and plant health. We are literally covered in these antibacterial products by using them in the form of lotions, soaps, sanitizers and cleaning products. Even the AMA (American Medical Association) states that no data exists to support their use or efficacy and suggests that antimicrobial agents should not be used in consumer products.¹²⁸

The real truth about Triclosan, a substance which we as consumer are usually unaware of, is that it actually promotes bacterial resistance.

After hands are washed with antimicrobial soap, the water mixes with the public water supply. This bacteria gets incorporated in the food chain. In this way, harmful bacteria develop an immunity that can pose a threat to living organisms.

This toxic Triclosan also accumulates in our fat cells and certain studies show that it leads to birth defects, extreme hormonal changes, cancer and certain other critical illnesses.¹²⁹

Furthermore, increasing usage of antibacterial soap and cleaning products will lead to the formation of biocide-resistant bacteria which will further be immune against life-saving antibiotics, leading to a medical emergency during the treatment of serious bacterial diseases.

However, it has become next to impossible to find any cleaning product that is not containing Triclosan as its usage has multiplied rapidly since 1995 in various products from toothpastes to laundry detergents and cleaning products.¹³⁰

It's important we learn to adopt natural products and practices into our lifestyles and not create superbugs that eventually will have the better of us.

Amanda Kidd is a blogger and a writer who takes utmost care while choosing her health supplements as she prefers them to be only organic in nature.

Start Now by Taking More Baby Steps!

Antibacterial soap is not the only way to keep your home and self safe and clean. Check out these links below for alternatives.

Whatever step you take, remember to have fun!