Triclosan has also been found in human breast milk, although not in concentrations considered dangerous to babies, as well as in human blood plasma. There is no evidence showing that current concentrations of triclosan in the human body are harmful, but recent studies suggest that it acts as an endocrine disrupter in bullfrogs and rats.

Further, an expert panel convened by the Food and Drug Administration determined that there is insufficient evidence for a benefit from consumer products containing antibacterial additives over similar ones not containing them.

"What is this stuff doing in households when we have soaps?" asks molecular biologist John Gustafson of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. These substances really belong in hospitals and clinics, not in the homes of healthy people, Gustafson says.

Of course, antibacterial products do have their place. Millions of Americans suffer from weakened immune systems, including pregnant women and people with immunodeficiency diseases, points out Eugene Cole, an infectious disease specialist at Brigham Young University. For these people, targeted use of antibacterial products, such as triclosan, may be appropriate in the home, he says.

In general, however, good, long-term hygiene means using regular soaps rather than new, antibacterial ones, experts say. "The main way to keep from getting sick," Gustafson says, "is to wash your hands three times a day and don't touch mucous membranes."

3 Comments

1. 1. praful777 05:20 AM 11/9/11

   After reading this article I fully agree with you that an Antibacterial cleaners provide no additional benefit over regular soap for healthy people.In fact these products may do more harm than benefit.
   
   <a href="http://www.simplehealthguide.com/strangest-medical-problems-in-people">strange medical conditions</a>
   

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2. 2. urologyst 02:59 PM 11/18/11

   Now everybody wants a surgery room in their bathroom or kitchen.
   But in the surgery room (cleaned after esch surgery with the most potent cleaners) lives the worst bacteria, that causes antibiotic resistant infections.
   

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3. 3. PatriciaJH 02:19 PM 3/27/13

   Well, this beautifully clear article solidifies my existing resistance to antibacterial products. I'm left with the question -- do these even belong in hospitals and clinics? Seems like any place that uses them is just training their bacteria to resistance -- and will see these products be less and less effective over time. Is this one reason hospitals are such a source of antibiotic-resistant infections? Has anyone checked to see if, say, MRSA strains are also resistant to antibacterial agents? Keep your bacteria around, and give 'em a chance to become resistant to more and more stuff!
   
   IMO, this cries out for study.

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