The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a proposal to require manufacturers of antibacterial hand soaps and body washes to demonstrate their products are safe for long-term daily use. Manufacturers are also going to have to prove the benefit of using these products outweighs the risks or they must take them off the market.
The FDA says there is currently no evidence these products are more effective in preventing the spread of illness than washing with plain soap and water.
Triclosan and triclocarban are the most common active ingredients in antibacterial soaps. There is concern these chemicals may be contributing to bacterial resistance to antibiotics and may have unanticipated hormonal effects. Researchers are also studying the effects on lakes, rivers and oceans because millions of gallons of triclosan-treated soap are going down drains and may break down into dioxins in the environment.
The FDA says that consumers should continue to be diligent about washing their hands. If soap and water aren’t available, they suggest you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
