HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS

12:04 Posted In 1 Comment »
Antibacterial Soap Dangers: Triclosan
The major antibacterial agent in an antibacterial soap is triclosan, which is known for its bacteria-fighting properties. Triclosan is used in many home cleaning products. These products are sold off as antibacterial soap and liquid antibacterial soap. Due to the wide acceptance of antibacterial products, the list has now increased. Most of the cleaning agents, laundry detergents, trash bags, and sponges are new additions to the list of antibacterial products.

Antibacterial Soap Dangers: Humans
Antibacterial soap problems arise from its excessive and unnecessary use. The main chemical, triclosan acts by killing the bacteria. That includes killing of good as well as bad bacteria. The organisms or bacteria that are not susceptible to triclosan are left with no competition in its ecosystem and they mutate or replicate for its survival. Mutated bacteria develop resistance to most antibiotics and even antibacterial agents, leading to serious health complications. Triclosan is also known to kill human cells as well.

Most of the infections are caused by viruses and not bacteria. One of the drawback of an antibacterial soap is that, it does not provide any protection against viral infection. To enhance the immune system of a baby, it is said that, during the initial years, it is best to expose him to normal germs that inhabit the house. If the house is clean and no germs exist, the baby may not be exposed to such organisms. Non-exposure to normal bacteria diminishes the chances of a baby, fighting the bacteria. Studies have proved that, triclosan in antibacterial soaps react with chlorine in water to form chloroform which is carcinogenic to humans. Over-use of triclosan can lead to disorder of the endocrine system.

The mechanism of triclosan in human body is threefold. It enters the bloodstream and is easily absorbed by the fat cells of our body. The concentration of triclosan over a period of time increases as the exposure continues. A study conducted on bullfrogs suggested serious health implications. It concluded by stating that, triclosan disrupts the thyroid hormone function resulting in:
  • Increased activity in the brain cells associated with uncontrolled cell growth
  • Abnormal weight loss
  • Accelerated hind-limb growth
The contribution of triclosan in thyroid hormone disruption is a disturbing discovery. As the mechanism of the frog is quite similar to that of humans, it is even more alarming. Another question that is being raised is, could the use of antibacterial soap, be the reason why most children attain puberty much before the normal time?

Antibacterial Soap Dangers: Environment
The use of triclosan has been impacting our environment as well. The triclosan that is disposed or washed down, eventually ends up in the waterway or the public water supply. This chemical cannot be neutralized by the water treatment plants. Triclosan remains as a sediment in the river causing harm to its natural inhabitants. Thus, triclosan has proved to create an imbalance in the ecosystem.

We have talked a lot about the dangers of antibacterial soaps. Now, let us take a look at, why these products are so popular and widely accepted.

Uses of Antibacterial Soaps
  • The best use of antibacterial soap is in the hospitals. Due to its bacteria-fighting capability, these soaps reduce the spread of bacteria and thus, decrease the risk of infections.
  • Washing hands with antibacterial soaps reduce infections related to the stomach.

1 comments:

Blogger said...

With bistroMD you can rest assured that you will not only get gourmet meals, but that every entree and every day in bistroMD's weight loss programs will be balanced to bistroMD's custom nutritional platform that helps promote healthy weight loss.

STEP 1 - Choose one of the diet plans for 5 to 7 days of entrees.
STEP 2 - View your menu before ordering and choose the meals you would like for each day and week.
STEP 3 - Order your weight loss plan.
STEP 4 - Your meals are delivered to your doorstep.

GET STARTED NOW - delivered to your home.