to use or not to use

[Guest guest]

This is an article from Reader’s Digest (November 2002), that some of you

may find very interesting. I of course have quit using antibacterial soaps,

but it is so hard to find anything that isn’t.

SOAP DISH

Your grocery store is packed with antibacterial products like hand soaps

and lotions that promise to kill germs on contact. In fact, 45% of consumer

soaps now contain an antimicrobial. Except, according to a report from the

American Medical Association, there’s no proof these products will prevent

infection- and they may do more harm than good.

In hospitals, the same ingredients have been effectively used in high

concentrations to prevent the spread of illness. But the AMA says consumer

products are not potent enough or left on surfaces long enough to do the

job. Instead, they tend to leave a residue on the skin or countertop in a

dose too small to work. That residue kills weaker bacteria, but allows

stronger microbes to flourish. More study is needed, but these bacteria may

even resist therapeutic antibiotics used to treat illness. Industry groups

dispute the AMA findings, claiming their products are safe and effective.

But the AMA believes that normal cleansers, soap and warm water do as good a

job in the home, and may be better for your family’s health.

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