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Antibacterial hand soaps, glass cleaners and counter sprays seem like a no-brainer. But scientists and doctors continue to raise concerns about Americans’ overzealous use of bacteria-killing products. These are also known as antimicrobial products, or disinfectants, and often carry labels like “industrial strength”.
The agent used to make antibacterial products is called triclosan. Lately, scientists have been tracking the rise of a new “super resistant” strain of bacteria that triclosan can’t kill. Researchers believe our frequent use of antibacterial cleaning products play a role in the development of these super germs, which are strong enough to withstand antibiotics.
According to the Environmental Working Group, most of the powerful antimicrobial chemicals used in household products were initially developed for hospital settings where disinfected surfaces are critical to the health of patients. However, the average American home doesn’t need to be as sterile as an operating room—and, in fact, shouldn’t be as sterile.
New research also suggests that the chemical may have some health effects, including altered hormone regulation.
In April, the Food and Drug Administration published a consumer fact sheet that said triclosan “is not known to be hazardous to humans,” but the agency also “does not have evidence that triclosan, added to antibacterial soaps and body washes, provides extra health benefits over soap and water.”
Health concerns and suspicion of triclosan’s role in creating super-resistant bacteria has caused the FDA to launch an in-depth scientific and regulatory review of the chemical.
The evidence surrounding triclosan gives ‘green cleaning’ advocates another reason to swap out traditional cleaning products that use chemicals with natural or organic versions. Here are some ways to keep bacteria in balance at home.
Instead of: Antibacterial hand soap
Consider: Good, old soap and water
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the FDA and the American Medical Association have all stated that antibacterial soaps aren’t necessary for regular home use. However, you should still wash hands frequently to avoid the spread of germs, especially as we enter flu season.
Instead of: Kitchen countertop sprays and other antibacterial cleaners
Consider: Vinegar and baking soda mixtures
The agent used to make antibacterial products is called triclosan. Lately, scientists have been tracking the rise of a new “super resistant” strain of bacteria that triclosan can’t kill. Researchers believe our frequent use of antibacterial cleaning products play a role in the development of these super germs, which are strong enough to withstand antibiotics.
According to the Environmental Working Group, most of the powerful antimicrobial chemicals used in household products were initially developed for hospital settings where disinfected surfaces are critical to the health of patients. However, the average American home doesn’t need to be as sterile as an operating room—and, in fact, shouldn’t be as sterile.
New research also suggests that the chemical may have some health effects, including altered hormone regulation.
In April, the Food and Drug Administration published a consumer fact sheet that said triclosan “is not known to be hazardous to humans,” but the agency also “does not have evidence that triclosan, added to antibacterial soaps and body washes, provides extra health benefits over soap and water.”
Health concerns and suspicion of triclosan’s role in creating super-resistant bacteria has caused the FDA to launch an in-depth scientific and regulatory review of the chemical.
The evidence surrounding triclosan gives ‘green cleaning’ advocates another reason to swap out traditional cleaning products that use chemicals with natural or organic versions. Here are some ways to keep bacteria in balance at home.
Instead of: Antibacterial hand soap
Consider: Good, old soap and water
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the FDA and the American Medical Association have all stated that antibacterial soaps aren’t necessary for regular home use. However, you should still wash hands frequently to avoid the spread of germs, especially as we enter flu season.
Instead of: Kitchen countertop sprays and other antibacterial cleaners
Consider: Vinegar and baking soda mixtures
- Equal parts white vinegar and water make an affective solution to clean countertops daily.
- Baking soda and water (or vinegar) can form a useful paste for scrubbing sinks and toilets.
- To sanitize cutting boards, professional ‘green cleaning’ coach Leslie Reichert recommends scrubbing a wood board with a half lemon and salt, or soaking plastic boards for 15 minutes in a mixture of lemon juice and water.
- If you prefer commercial products, Seventh Generation offers a line of botanically-based disinfectants, including bathroom and surface cleaners and wipes.
- Seven years ago, only a few dozen products containing antibacterial agents were being marketed for the home, according to the CDC. Now, more than 700 are available.
- Triclosan is heavily restricted in the European Union.
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