Everybody wants to live a long healthy life. People look for products that can bring them more protection from germs, bacteria, and other health-adverse microorganisms. As an answer to this consumer demand, manufacturers started producing antibacterial soaps and disinfectants. These products have become fairly popular since killing bacteria and disinfecting germs sound like a good idea.
A Look at Dioxins
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that dioxins are highly toxic compounds that may cause damage to the immune system, reproductive system, interfere with the proper balance of hormones, and cause cancer. Dioxins are found in the environment, as well as in some food products such as dairy, meat, shellfish and fish. Now you might be wondering what these dioxins have to do with antibacterial soaps.
Triclosan
In a study performed by a team of scientists from various institutions namely, University of Minnesota’s Institute of Technology, Science Museum of Minnesota, Virginia Tech, and Pace Analytical in Minneapolis, found that triclosan transforms into dioxins.
Triclosan is an ingredient used in the manufacturing of antibacterial soaps. This chemical found in antibacterial hand sanitizer and soaps can be absorbed by the skin or washed down the drain, eventually contaminating our waterways.
The team also discovered that while dioxin levels from other sources have dropped by 73 – 90% over the last 30 years, those coming from triclosan in antibacterial soaps rose by 200 – 300%.
Triclocarban
Aside from triclosan, triclocarban is another ingredient used in the manufacturing of antibacterial hand sanitizer and soaps. This chemical is a known endocrine disruptor. This means that it interferes with the regular actions of the hormones in the body. This disruption causes abnormal growth in organs that are dependent on testosterone and estrogen. Endocrine disruptors are known to cause cancer and failure in reproductive systems.
Avoid Antibacterial
Studies have found out that antibacterial soaps do not necessarily remove bacteria. In fact, according to a senior scientist at the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), using antibacterial soaps that contain triclosan and triclocarban will produce the same cleansing effect as using regular soap and water. In addition, studies performed by the FDA indicate that health risks of these ingredients include resistance to antibiotics, carcinogenic properties and environmental contamination.
Natural Disinfectants and Sanitizers
The safest option to avoid the pollutants would be to use natural products. You can look for natural disinfectants or natural sanitizers. Vinegar, baking soda and castile soap are just a few natural options.
References
(2010) Chemical in Antibacterial Soaps Produces Toxic Dioxins. Retrieved August 11, 2010
(2010) Antibacterial Chemical Disrupts Hormone Activities, Study Finds. Retrieved August 11, 2010
(2010) Chemicals in 'Antibacterial' Soaps said to have More Risk than Reward. Retrieved August 11, 2010
(2010) Antibacterial Soap Poses Danger to Consumers, Suit Says. Retrieved August 11, 2010
