Wash With Soap and Water

The US Food and Drug Administration recently impose ban on several key chemicals in antibacterial hand soaps. Studies have shown that some antibacterial hand soap in the market contains chemicals that may damage the body’s immune system. An FDA statement said: “Washing with plain soap and running water remains one of the most important steps consumers can take to avoid getting sick and to prevent spreading germs to others.”

Firstly, are there really proofs that products labeled as “antibacterial” can keep you and your family away from germs and disease? According to FDA, there isn’t enough science to show that antibacterial soaps are better at preventing at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water.

Secondly, since health benefits from antibacterial hand soap have not been proven, while they many are still widely used, are there potential negative effects on health, when they are used in long term? Yes. Antibacterial hand soaps may contain ingredients that are harmful to the body when used daily over a long period of time. Antibacterial soaps (and wash) include foam and liquid products, gel hand soaps, bar soaps, and body washes.

What chemical ingredients in hand soap are harmful to the body? Many antibacterial soaps contain triclosan and triclocarban. These two active chemical ingredients in antibacterial hand soap are harmful to the body. Animal studies have shown that triclosan and triclocarban alter the way some hormones work in the body. The FDA, in its 2013 ruling, proclaimed: “Using these products might give people a false sense of security.” Manufacturers of hand soaps with these harmful ingredients have not proven that the chemicals are safe for daily use. They are therefore unsafe.

What can you do if soap and water are not available? If soap and water are not available, a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol could be used instead.