new warning on using antibacterial soaps

[blondie58]

Why You Don't Want to Use Antibacterial Soap Anymore


The antibacterial agent triclosan, commonly used in certain soaps, is starting to appear in consumer products ranging from socks to toothpaste.

But research shows that under normal household conditions triclosan can react with chlorinated water to produce chloroform, a likely carcinogen.

An initial 2005 study showed that, in the laboratory, pure triclosan reacts with free chlorine to produce chloroform. More recently, follow-up studies on 16 products found that household goods containing triclosan produced either chloroform or other chlorinated byproducts.

In some soaps, the triclosan degraded within one minute of exposure to chlorinated water at temperatures used for household cleaning.

Environmental Science & Technology February 28, 2007

Environmental Science & Technology Online February 28, 2007



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Mercola's Comment:


I posted an alarming report two years ago about the dangers of using the chlorinated water that comes from your tap with antimicrobial soaps and cleaners containing triclosan. I am not surprised to learn those initial reports have been confirmed; products containing triclosan can produce the cancer-causing substance chloroform.

That is one of the benefits you get by reading this newsletter. It is very common that you'll be alerted of health issues YEARS before they become widely publicized in the traditional media.

So be alert because the average consumer has NO CLUE this is a problem. I see it all over. In the office building where my Web site is located, they use antibacterial soap so I had to explain to the building manager how crazy and unnecessary that was.

Antibacterial soaps are widespread in most commercial institutions. If you see it, be an activist and tell the manager. Show them the evidence and ask them to switch. No reason they need to poison the public so some company can make money and provide no benefit, only harm.

Because water temperatures, chlorination and the antibacterial products used can vary based on the locale, it's hard for scientists to predict the precise amount of chloroform to which you may be exposed. That said, the use of triclosan in some conditions can expand your exposure to chloroform by as much as 40 percent.

But remember that even when triclosan does not degrade into chloroform, it's still dangerous in and of itself, because it enters the environment and eventually creates antibiotic-resistant germs.

It's surprising the problem still exists, considering even the highly conservative American Medical Association's very public slam against antibacterial soaps seven years ago, and undisputed evidence that nothing works better when it comes to hand-washing than plain soap and water, without the unnecessary toxic antibacterial chemicals.

this information is from an excellent health website www.jmercola.com

[donsu]

1. its not good to use anything antibacterial in the home

for more reasons then the above.

[blondie58]

7. yes

it is the same thing as using antibiotics.

The germs always evolve and get stronger and stronger. And we get a dose of antibiotics from our food nowadays.

[kestrel91316]

2. I worry about triclosan's effect on all the microbes out there that we want

and need (99.99% of them). It's going to turn out to be the DDT of microbiology, I bet. The Law of Unintended Consequences.

Maybe that's just the microbiologist in me. I sweat the small stuff, because it's ultimately the most important stuff.

[DesertRat]

3. Do the waterless hand cleaners like Purell contain tricolsan?

As teacher of young children I keep a bottle of Purell in my desk and use it throughout the day.

[NYC]

5. Look on the back label.

I have a bottle of "Rite Aid Instant Hand Sanitizer." The back label lists the following ingredients:

Water, Isopropyl Alcohol, Emollient (Moisturizers), Thickener, Citrus Scent.

On the front:

"Kills 99.9% of Germs in 15 Seconds Without Water."

"Compare to Purell®"

It must be the alcohol that is killing the germs.

[DesertRat]

8. I assumed that it was just alcohol

but my Purell is at school and I'm now on spring break for a week. I use Purell a lot, especially on days like yesterday when a student threw up on my desk.

[NYC]

11. Worrying about it for the week won't help.

Try not to think about it until you read the label.

If it turns out Purell is not acceptable, you'll have to read all the labels in the store until you find one that uses alcohol as the disinfectant.

Yesterday's germ event sounds quite unpleasant. :(

Enjoy your week off. :)

[RC]

15. Why is Purell not acceptable?

It has the same ingredients as most of the rest of the waterless cleaners.

[NYC]

16. I don't know that it isn't.

The person who owns it has to read the label next week.

[DesertRat]

19. I'm not worried, just curious

Yes, yesterday was unpleasant. Just one of the hazards of working with young children. :P

[kestrel91316]

9. Oh, PROBABLY. Check the label. It will say.

[Avalux]

4. I do not use antibacterial soaps and household products.

We coexist with bacteria on this planet (they far outnumber us); only a few are bad and most aren't. This need to 'disinfect' everything does more harm than good; when it comes to the 'bad' bacteria, it keeps us from being exposed in order to gain natural immunity and causes some of them develop into resistant strains. It also kills the good ones.

The marketing experts promoting these products have been very successful in making people think they're necessary. They're not.

[Delphinus]

12. I agree with you, sparosnare.

I feel we've gone overboard with being afraid of bacteria and germs. Just one more way we are out of balance.

[SoCalDem]

14. I was never a "germ-freak" with my kids, but I had friends

whose kids were "protected' from everything.. Guess whose kids were always sick?..Not MIne.

I even deliberately exposed my sons to chicken pox when they were pre-schoolers..(30-some years ago before there was a vaccine)

My youngest was the "pet" of the bowling alley nursery when he was 6 weeks old.
My kids grew up with strong immune systems.

[DireStrike]

6. I'd prefer to not help create stonger bacteria. -nt-

[rebel with a cause]

10. Have never been able to use anti-bacteria anything.

My skin has such an even balance of fungus and bacteria that when I use an anti-bacteria product, I almost immediately get fungus infections. My doctor (at that time) told me why I was getting these infections constantly, and I stopped using any anti-bacteria product, and that was around 17/18 years ago. I have had other people complain to me about getting skin rashes that continue to reappear after treatment. When I explain that these products might be to blame, they have stopped using them and their rashes have stopped. Other people look at me like I'm crazy when I refuse to use any of these products, but no rashes means a less painful itchy life.;-)

[robcon]

13. Reading the link does not offer confidence.

I wouldn't believe information this site unless it was confirmed by a less politically-charged, more scientifically-based organization.

I use antibacterial soap several times a day. I'm not concerned.

[bigmonkey]

17. Here's what the back of my Purell bottle says are the ingredients, in order:

Water
Glycerin
Isopropyl Myristate
Propylene Glycol
Tocopherol Acetate
Aminomethyl Propanol
Carbomer
Fragrance

It also says:

Active ingredient: Ethyl alcohol 62%, purpose - antimicrobial.

To my 30-years-ago-chemistry-class eyes, there's no triclosan, and indeed the alcohol is the "anti-bacterial" ingredient.

[SoCalDem]

18. Propylene Glycol

Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol
(Glicol de Etileno y Glicol de Propileno)

CAS# Ethylene Glycol 107-21-1
Propylene Glycol 57-55-6

This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. For more information, you may call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. This information is important because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.
HIGHLIGHTS: Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are clear liquids used in antifreeze and deicing solutions. Exposure to large amounts of ethylene glycol can damage the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Propylene glycol is generally regarded as safe for use in food. Ethylene glycol has been found in at least 34, and propylene glycol in at least 5, of the 1,416 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What are ethylene glycol and propylene glycol?

Both ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are clear, colorless, slightly syrupy liquids at room temperature. Either compound may exist in air in the vapor form, although propylene glycol must be heated or briskly shaken to produce a vapor. Ethylene glycol is odorless but has a sweet taste. Propylene glycol is practically odorless and tasteless.

Both compounds are used to make antifreeze and de-icing solutions for cars, airplanes, and boats; to make polyester compounds; and as solvents in the paint and plastics industries. Ethylene glycol is also an ingredient in photographic developing solutions, hydraulic brake fluids and in inks used in stamp pads, ballpoint pens, and print shops.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as an additive that is "generally recognized as safe" for use in food. It is used to absorb extra water and maintain moisture in certain medicines, cosmetics, or food products. It is a solvent for food colors and flavors.

Propylene glycol is also used to create artificial smoke or fog used in fire-fighting training and in theatrical productions.
back to top
What happens to ethylene glycol and propylene glycol when they enter the environment?

* Neither compound is likely to exist in large amounts in air.
* About half of the compounds that enter the air will break down in 24-50 hours.
* Both compounds break down within several days to a week in water and soil.

back to top
How might I be exposed to ethylene glycol and propylene glycol?

* You can be exposed to ethylene glycol when you use antifreeze, photographic developing solutions, coolants, and brake fluid.
* You can be exposed to propylene glycol by eating food products, using cosmetics, or taking medicine that contains it.
* If you work in an industry that uses ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, you could be exposed by breathing or touching these substances.

back to top
How can ethylene glycol and propylene glycol affect my health?

Eating or drinking very large amounts of ethylene glycol can result in death, while large amounts can result in nausea, convulsions, slurred speech, disorientation, and heart and kidney problems.

Female animals that ate large amounts of ethylene glycol had babies with birth defects, while male animals had reduced sperm counts. However, these effects were seen at very high levels and would not be expected in people exposed to lower levels at hazardous waste sites.

Ethylene glycol affects the body's chemistry by increasing the amount of acid, resulting in metabolic problems. Similar to ethylene glycol, propylene glycol increases the amount of acid in the body. However, larger amounts of propylene glycol are needed to cause this effect.