FDA Questions use of Antibacterial Chemical

Triclosan, a chemical widely used in antibacterial soaps, has come under the regulatory microscope of the FDA after studies indicate that it could pose heath risks.

As reported by Reuters:

The FDA noted that there was no evidence that triclosan could be harmful to people but noted that an animal study showed the chemical may alter hormone regulation and several other lab studies showed that bacteria may be able to evolve resistance to triclosan in a way that can help them also resist antibiotics.

The fear that antibacterial soaps may create strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria is one that has long troubled experts. In his presentation at the Emerging Infectious Diseases Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000, Tufts University professor of molecular biology and microbiology Dr. Stuart B. Levy compared the overuse of antibacterial products with the overuse of antibiotics:

The antibacterial substances added to diverse household cleaning products are similar to antibiotics in many ways. When used correctly, they inhibit bacterial growth. However, their purpose is not to cure disease but to prevent transmission of disease-causing microorganisms to noninfected persons. Like antibiotics, these products can select resistant strains and, therefore, overuse in the home can be expected to propagate resistant microbial variants

Now the FDA has agreed to take a closer look at triclosan, which thrills critics of antibacterial chemicals. One such critic, Massachusetts Congressman Edward Markey, is already calling for a ban on triclosan. But if you think that a ban on this or any other antibacterial agent will create a raging germ epidemic—think again. Experts say that using antibacterial soaps are no more effective at removing germs than washing your hands with regular soap and water.