FDA Proposes Ban on Antibacterial Hand Soap

Hand sanitizer has become a popular product in homes and offices across the country. Many of us carry a small bottle of antibacterial hand sanitizer in our purse or brief case. But new information from the FDA says antibacterial or antimicrobial products might not be so healthy. The Food and Drug Administration has proposed a ban on certain related products that could be enacted in about a year.

Potential Health Risks

The problem with many antibacterial products is that they contain certain chemicals—namely triclosan and triclocarban—that some scientists believe could cause health risks. The FDA has warned that the chemicals may have hormonal effects and could cause bacterial resistance.

If you happen to use liquid hand sanitizers like Purell or anti-bacterial wipes, you don’t need to worry about triclosan or triclocarban. These products use alcohol as their active ingredient and have not been deemed unsafe. It is only soaps and other products labeled “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial” that contain the chemicals. However, if you find yourself reaching for the Purell several times a day, it may be wise to scale back. Some research shows that too much hand sanitizer use, particularly by children, could lead to auto-immune problems and allergies.

An Ongoing Investigation

Scientists have not come to any conclusions about the dangers of triclosan and triclocarban. But the FDA has explained that it is not worth the risk to keep the products that contain them on the market. Though they have not been proven dangerous, they have also not been proven any more effective than regular soap and water. In order to continue the investigation, the FDA plans to require any company wanting to continue to sell the products to provide clinical data that show their safety and effectiveness.

The Safe Alternative

While antibacterial hand products may not have a negative impact on your health, it is easy enough to play it safe. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises that regular hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness. Having a liquid sanitizer like Purell around is great for moments when water is not available. Just be sure that the product is at least 60% alcohol and us not labeled “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial.”