What are the pros and cons of using antibacterial soap/hand sanitizer?
Germs are capable of genetically mutating into tougher strains if repeatedly exposed to, but not killed by antibiotic drugs and antibacterial agents, such as the biocides triclosan and triclocarban found in many antibacterial products. Wide-ranging use of biocides can even increase bacterial cross-resistance, which means the building of resistance against the antibiotics used for human and veterinary medication. Thus, the effectiveness of antibiotics can decrease.
Antibacterial substances can also irritate the skin or cause allergy. Another option to biocide-containing antibacterial soap is alcohol-based hand rinses, which prevent the spreading of microbes without the threat of encouraging cross-resistance. Though the alcohol will kill the bacteria, its effectiveness is relatively short lived since you are introducing yourself to new germs as soon as you touch non-sterile objects.
Active agents in antibacterial soaps like triclosan do remain on the skin in small numbers after washing, and reduce the number of bacteria on the hands for a certain amount of time. Viruses (the cause of flu, colds, and AIDS among other things) usually remain untouched by antibacterial products.
Recommendations: Antibacterial products are not recommended for casual household use unless caring for the sick or very young, and in general are not necessary for many jobs.
Antibacterial soap in no way replaces good hygiene or personal protective equipment, and must be used properly to be effective. Washing your hands the right way at the right time with any soap is more important than the product you use. Biocide containing antibacterial soap use is a personal choice. Other options include alcohol-based disinfectants and regular soap, used effectively.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the best method for getting rid of germs and preventing contamination is to wash your hands frequently with regular soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds. The B.C. Foodsafe course actually recommends 30 seconds, with due attention paid to the backs of the hands and wrists, and a scrub brush for the fingernails.
Alcohol based disinfectants are also a good way to reduce the spread of microbes, without encouraging bacterial mutation. Beware that very frequent hand washing, especially with cleansers that contain alcohol or gritty scrubbing material (like Fast Orange) can cause skin irritation that damages the skin’s natural protective ability.
Antibacterial substances can also irritate the skin or cause allergy. Another option to biocide-containing antibacterial soap is alcohol-based hand rinses, which prevent the spreading of microbes without the threat of encouraging cross-resistance. Though the alcohol will kill the bacteria, its effectiveness is relatively short lived since you are introducing yourself to new germs as soon as you touch non-sterile objects.
Active agents in antibacterial soaps like triclosan do remain on the skin in small numbers after washing, and reduce the number of bacteria on the hands for a certain amount of time. Viruses (the cause of flu, colds, and AIDS among other things) usually remain untouched by antibacterial products.
Recommendations: Antibacterial products are not recommended for casual household use unless caring for the sick or very young, and in general are not necessary for many jobs.
Antibacterial soap in no way replaces good hygiene or personal protective equipment, and must be used properly to be effective. Washing your hands the right way at the right time with any soap is more important than the product you use. Biocide containing antibacterial soap use is a personal choice. Other options include alcohol-based disinfectants and regular soap, used effectively.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the best method for getting rid of germs and preventing contamination is to wash your hands frequently with regular soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds. The B.C. Foodsafe course actually recommends 30 seconds, with due attention paid to the backs of the hands and wrists, and a scrub brush for the fingernails.
Alcohol based disinfectants are also a good way to reduce the spread of microbes, without encouraging bacterial mutation. Beware that very frequent hand washing, especially with cleansers that contain alcohol or gritty scrubbing material (like Fast Orange) can cause skin irritation that damages the skin’s natural protective ability.
posted by Lu Hill at 11:40 a.m.
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