Skip the antibacterial soap and opt for soap and water instead. Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the 19 active ingredients in antibacterial soap. The ban includes liquid, foam, gel hand soaps, bar soaps, and body washes (not hand sanitizers or hand wipes) that contain such ingredients as triclosan and triclocarban. The ban also does not apply to antibacterial soaps in health care settings. These products will no longer be marketed.
According to the director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), there is no scientific evidence that antibacterial washes/soaps are any more effective than soap and water at preventing the spread of germs. According to the FDA’s Division on Nonprescription Drug Products, simple handwashing practices is one of the most effective ways to keep infections and illness away and from spreading.
After many years, the FDA finally came to this ruling because manufacturers have yet to prove that those ingredients in antibacterial products are safe for daily use over a long period of time. Some manufacturers were voluntarily removing these now banned ingredients prior to the FDA announcement.
Antibacterial products contain chemicals that are not found in plain soap. These additives were put into the products to theoretically reduce and/or prevent bacterial infection. The chemical Triclosan, has been shown in animal studies to alter the way hormones work in the body, which raises concerns how this affects humans. Researchers still have yet to know how this chemical affects the human body. Triclosan happens to be added to many products including clothing, furniture, kitchenware, toys, to prevent bacterial contamination, which means humans have been exposed to this chemical in higher amounts than researchers originally thought. Some studies are showing the possibility that this chemical can make bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
Because of this ruling, manufacturers will have to change their formulas or make the product(s) unavailable to consumers. They have one year to comply to the ruling. As far as hand sanitizers and hand wipes go, manufacturers have one year to submit new data and information to support the safety and effectiveness of certain active ingredients.
If you have any antibacterial products in your home, consider giving them a toss and rely on good ol’ soap and water. When washing soiled hands do a thorough job and spend a minute lathering your mitts. Washing your hands is a great preventative step to keep yourself and others from getting sick from infections.
If you’re looking for a primary care doctor or have any health concerns you think need to be addressed, contact Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness today. Book an appointment with him by calling 239-362-3005, ext. 200 or click here.
