About 75 percent of liquid soaps sold in American grocery stores contain the word “antibacterial” on their labels. However, the Food and Drug Administration has submitted a proposed rule that will require manufacturers to prove antibacterial soap is safe for long-term use.
Due to the popularity of antibacterial soaps in the general public, various health care and consumer groups have convinced the FDA to re-examine if the ingredients in such products are safe and effective for long-term use.
The FDA Proposal
Manufacturers will have to prove their products are more effective than ordinary soap and water at preventing illness and the spread of infection. If companies are unable to meet these requirements, they will have to remove the antibacterial label or reformulate their products in order to comply.
The FDA states the proposed rule only applies to soaps and washes that are used with water, not hand sanitizers, hand wipes, or other agents used in health care settings.
There is currently no evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective at preventing illness than normal soap and water. In addition, there is evidence that long-term exposure to some ingredients in antibacterial soap can pose risks like hormonal effects or bacterial resistance.
Taking a Closer Look
Two main ingredients in antibacterial soaps, triclosan and triclocarban, have fallen under scrutiny in recent years.
One study in the Environmental Science and Technology Journal pointed to triclosan as a cause in the rise of resistant bacteria in streams and rivers. Triclosan was originally invented for surgeons in the 1960s, working to slow or stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mildew.
Exposure to triclosan through domestic sewage runoff triggers an increase in triclosan-resistant bacteria in addition to changes in the composition of the bacterial communities found naturally in the water sources.
Another study suggested long-term exposure to antibacterial soaps with triclocarban may harm nursing babies. The study, conducted on rats, found that baby rats nursed by mothers exposed to triclocarban did not live longer than 6 days.
While there are benefits to antibacterial soaps and sanitizers, especially in health care settings with higher risks of infection and transmission, the FDA and some health care professionals suggest soap and water hand washing may be the best practice for normal, day-to-day prevention of spreading illness and germs to others.
Does your practice or facility use antibacterial sanitizers and soaps? Do you see any harm in using these products over traditional hand washing? If you’re an M.D. or D.O. we’ll be discussing this more inside the Sermo community. Come join us.
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