Antibacterial Products are Everywhere...
...soaps, sponges, deoderants, wipes, pens (yes, pens). Yet studies show that there isn't any evidence that any of these products keep us healthier. In fact, they do a great deal of damage, both to human health and that of the environment. Triclosan and triclocarban are the typical additives marketed as "anti-bacterial". Why are they bad? In a word - Superbugs.
Superbugs
The chemicals in products labeled "anti-bacterial" leave a residue behind. The residue continues to kill bacteria, but as the label says "99.9%". That .1% lives. So what? Well .1% of the bacteria doesn't seem so bad. The problem is that the .1% that survive breed. The genetics that allowed them to survive make the next generation more resistant. Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Super strong bugs means that we will have bacteria that our current antibiotics will not kill. More and more toxic drugs will have to be used to kill them. Antibiotic abuse is already a huge problem with doctors prescribing them to treat colds. Colds are a virus. Antibiotics will NOT help.As a side note, if you are prescribed antibiotics for an INFECTION, not a virus:
* You will probably begin to feel better within the first day. DO NOT STOP TAKING THE PRESCRIPTION. A course of antibiotics must be fully consumed to do its job. If you don't take the whole course, you allow the bacteria that survived the first few days (the stronger ones) to multiply. Now you have even worse bacteria and you will need stronger antibiotics next time.
* DO NOT flush any pills down the toilet. That is how drugs get in our water supply. Don't put them in the trash, the wrong person could find them and end up in the hospital. Return them to the pharmacy.
* DO NOT save antibiotics and share them with a friend who is "sick".
Of course:
a. You should have used your entire course of the drug and
b. You are not a doctor and
c. Antibiotics only work for bacteria, not for viruses (such as the common cold).
Antibiotic abuse affects everyone please follow these rules for a healthier you and a healthier planet.
Other Hazards of Antibacterial Products
Dioxin is a carcinogen (causes cancer) and can be formed during production of triclosan.
Triclosan is now found in the breast milk of 3 out of 5 women, according to a Swedish study.
Triclosan is a common pollutant in streams & other bodies of water. Causing damage to aquatic ecosystems.
Antibacterial agents kill good bacteria as well as the bad.
Exposure to bacteria or "germs" in small amounts helps increase immune system strength. Killing 99.9% does not allow our immune systems to get used to regular old bacteria, making nasty bacteria even more dangerous.
Triclosan is now found in the breast milk of 3 out of 5 women, according to a Swedish study.
Triclosan is a common pollutant in streams & other bodies of water. Causing damage to aquatic ecosystems.
Antibacterial agents kill good bacteria as well as the bad.
Exposure to bacteria or "germs" in small amounts helps increase immune system strength. Killing 99.9% does not allow our immune systems to get used to regular old bacteria, making nasty bacteria even more dangerous.
Why Take the Risk?
Antibacterial agents are bad for the enviroment, your health and everyone elses. Don't use them. Many studies have shown that old fashioned soap works BETTER anyway. For earth-friendly cleaning products check out my lens on green cleaning. 
Did You Know?
Vinegar, plain, ordinary, wonderful vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold and 80% of viruses. Put it in a spray bottle you will save yourself some money and help save the environment. Don't fall for the "antibacterial" label! Vinegar can't put disinfectant on its label because it isn't registered with the EPA as a pesticide. That means that everything that does make such claims on its label IS registered as a PESTICIDE. The Breast Cancer Fund is asking the EPA
To reconsider the safety of Triclosan
You can help!
Triclosan is shown to mimic hormone function in the body. It is believed to increase cancer risk. Read about it at the Breast Cancer Fund and send a simple letter form to the EPA.
Triclosan is shown to mimic hormone function in the body. It is believed to increase cancer risk. Read about it at the Breast Cancer Fund and send a simple letter form to the EPA.
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Comments are Welcome!
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- Super_Natural Super_Natural Mar 27, 2009 @ 1:29 am
- This is a very nice lens. You share a lot of very helpful information here. I'd love it if you'd stop by my lens and say hello when you get the chance.
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- Mtodd Mtodd Mar 20, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
- I had been told anti-bacterial soap was not good, but now I know why. Thanks for the good info. I'm a soapmaker and I don't use any soap with harsh chemicals anyway. My skin can't take it. But just washing your hands well with a good soap will kill a heck of a lot of the germs.
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- TheGreenerMe TheGreenerMe Feb 22, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
- Welcome to a Million Ways to Go Green! I've been using vinegar to clean more often around my home and I don't have as many headaches as I used to. Those traditional cleaners have some chemicals in them that do some serious damage!
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- RolandTumble RolandTumble Nov 14, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
- There are certain high-risk areas where antibacterials are appropriate (such as hospitals), but in the main I agree completely.
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- LindaJM LindaJM Jul 1, 2008 @ 12:31 am
- Excellent points; I agree, and have discontinued use of any antibacterial hand soaps or dish soaps.
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