Antibacterial Products: Do They Really Work?

According to research conducted by ACNielsen, Americans purchased $540 million worth of antibacterial soaps, hand-cleaners, and detergents last year. These products are everywhere. Just walk into your local supermarket and you will see a myriad of products stamped "antibacterial," including toys.

Americans are obsessed with cleanliness, and if the products that keep us clean kill bacteria too- even better. But is our spending worthwhile? Laboratory research shows that although these products are able to kill germs, there is very little evidence to show that it actually translates into less disease in our environment. 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.

If you do choose to use an antibacterial product there are a few things that you should know. A study published recently by Tufts University Medical School in Boston indicates that antibacterial soaps and antibacterial-coated products may contribute to the increase of antibiotic resistance in the community. It is possible that these substances could encourage bacteria to mutate in ways that make them resistant to antibacterial products, including antibiotics.

The "biocide" in question is triclosan, found in many antibacterial products. Although it was assumed to attack by dissolving the membrane walls of bacteria, researchers have found that it may target a particular enzyme involved in creating the cell walls of the E. coli bacterium, much as an antibiotic would. This would enable the bacterium to actually mutate and build up a resistance to triclosan, rendering the "biocide" virtually useless.

Scientists caution that widespread use of antibacterial agents in everyday products such as body-wash and shampoo might increase the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. Germs are capable of genetically mutating into tougher strains if repeatedly exposed to, but not killed by antibiotic drugs and antibacterial agents. Essentially people are using antibiotics when they are healthy- so they are less likely to work when they are really needed.

Something else to consider, the alcohol in antibacterial products will kill the bacteria, buts its effectiveness is relatively short lived since you are introducing yourself to new germs as soon as you touch something. Another glitch: viruses, which remain untouched by antibacterial products, cause colds and flu.