antibacterial soaps

saw this one somewhere on the net and thought it's worth sharing. a little info that can save you from the dangers brought about by health/sanitary soaps posing as antibacterial. i'm not saying we take it as the bible truth but at least let's start investigating the soap we're using.

i only have one problem with health/medical bulletins like this - it always says this or that is found to be dangerous then goes endorsing something in the end. can't help it but it makes me suspicious. at any rate, here's the article - it's up to you to discern.

Say no to antibacterial soaps
By Lori Bongiorno Posted Wed Oct 15, 2008 12:01pm PDT

Global Handwashing Day, held earlier this week, was established to promote a simple message: Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent disease. It's also the perfect time to visit the topic of what kind of soap you're lathering up with. This is an important decision that many of us don't think twice about.

The main ingredient in most liquid soaps lining store shelves is triclosan, a pesticide that kills bacteria. Turns out you just need to banish germs from your hands, not kill them. Studies show that antibacterial soaps aren't more effective at preventing illness or removing germs than good old-fashioned soap and water.

In fact, antibacterial soaps may do more harm than good.

There are concerns that triclosan may contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It's also present in human bodies and breast milk, as well as in streams. The Environmental Working Group says triclosan has been linked to developmental defects, liver toxicity, and cancer in lab studies. It also may affect thyroid and other hormones that are crucial to normal development.

The best thing you can do is avoid soaps that claim to be "antibacterial" while we wait for more research to be done. A quick read of the label will tell you if triclosan or triclocarban (a similar compound that's found more commonly in bar soaps) are active ingredients. If so, move onto another product.

Here's a small sampling of triclosan-free liquid hand soaps to get you started:
· Trader Joe's Lavender & Chamomile Hand Soap
· Method Hand Wash (Pink Grapefruit)
· Softsoap Soothing Aloe Vera Moisturizing Hand Soap
· Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Soap (Hemp-Peppermint)
· Terraessentials Organic Real Soap for Hands
· Desert Essence Castile Liquid Soap with Organic Tea Tree Oil

For more suggestions, visit the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database.