Antibacterial in soap comes under U.S. scrutiny

[Guest guest]

This isn't new but you may find it interesting. I do like to get rid of bacteria

or viruses when I wash my hands.

Antibacterial in soap comes under U.S. scrutiny

Animal studies linked chemical to altered hormones, antibiotic resistance

updated 6:22 p.m. ET, Thurs., April 8, 2010

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday it was

reviewing the safety of triclosan, a widely used antibacterial agent found in

soap, toothpaste and a range of other consumer products.

The agency stressed there are no grounds to recommend any changes in the use of

triclosan but said some recent studies merited a closer look.

One member of Congress, Massachusetts Democrat Markey, called for strict

limits.

" Despite the fact that this chemical is found in everything from soaps to socks,

there are many troubling questions about triclosan's effectiveness and

potentially harmful effects, especially for children, " Markey said in a

statement.

" I call upon the federal government to ban the use of triclosan in consumer

soaps and hand-washes, products intended for use by children, and products

intended to come into contact with food. In addition, I will soon introduce

legislation to speed up the government's efforts to evaluate and regulate other

substances that may pose similar public health concerns. "

The FDA noted that there was no evidence that triclosan could be harmful to

people but noted that an animal study showed the chemical may alter hormone

regulation and several other lab studies showed that bacteria may be able to

evolve resistance to triclosan in a way that can help them also resist

antibiotics.

Other studies have shown no evidence this has actually occurred in nature,

however. Nonetheless, the Environmental Protection Agency has said it will speed

up its planned review of triclosan.

" FDA does not have sufficient safety evidence to recommend changing consumer use

of products that contain triclosan at this time, " the agency said in a statement

posted online.

The Soap and Detergent Association has repeatedly defended the safety of

triclosan, which has been in use for about 30 years.

One environmental group welcomed the FDA's announcement.

" It's about time FDA has finally stated its concerns about antibacterial

chemicals like triclosan, " said Dr. Janssen of the Natural Resources

Defense Council.

" The public deserves to know that these so-called antibacterial products are no

more effective in preventing infections than regular soap and water and may, in

fact, be dangerous to their health in the long run. "

Many experts agree that soap containing triclosan does little or nothing extra

to remove bacteria that using soap without the ingredient, as washing the hands

physically removes the excess bacteria.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36279360/ns/health-more_health_news/