Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : October 29, 2017 1:12 AM IST
After a long day s work and travel on local buses and trains, you may find it tempting to stock up on the heavy duty germ fighter such as an antibacterial soap. But if you think that an antibacterial soap can be more effective than a regular soap, think again. Here s why using an antibacterial soap instead of a regular soap may not be a good idea.
Are antibacterial soaps effective?
By the label antibacterial , it means that the soap contains a specific agent which is known to kill bacteria. This chemical agent in most cases is a chemical called triclosan or triclocarban. Many researchers found that these chemicals may work as endocrine disruptors [1]. Prolonged exposure to triclosan can also increase the risk of developing allergies like peanut allergy and hay fever especially in children [2]. FDA also warns about the potential risks of chemicals found in these germ fighters. What you need to know is that all soaps kill germs and it does not need these additional antimicrobial chemicals to kill the germs.
Also, antibacterial soaps have the potential to create antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In fact, the AMA claims that widespread use of antibacterial soaps and scrubs have led to stronger, more resistant germs.
What is the best way to clean your hands?
Instead of using antibacterial soap, you can just wash your hands with plain soap and water. You can also prevent germs by using naturally occurring antibacterial agents such as lemon juice, which alters the pH of bacteria cells into an acidic environment that destroys microbes. Other natural antibacterial ingredients dry out bacteria, which thrive in moist environments. So practice safe soap and lather up! If you are using a sanitizer, go for the one that contains at least 60 percent alcohol and contains moisturizers. Read more about the do's and dont's of using a sanitizer.
References:
[1] Feng, Y., Zhang, P., Zhang, Z., Shi, J., Jiao, Z., & Shao, B. (2016). Endocrine Disrupting Effects of Triclosan on the Placenta in Pregnant Rats. PLoS ONE, 11(5), e0154758. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0154758.
[2] Tobar, S., Tordesillas, L., & Berin, M. C. (2016). Triclosan promotes epicutaneous sensitization to peanut in mice. Clinical and Translational Allergy, 6, 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13601-016-0102-2
Read this in Hindi.
