Washing Away

Here's another blog post inspired by a family member.

My sister is a scientist. Perhaps even a "mad scientist." Among her tips on living scientifically-conscious: don't use anti-bacterial soap (the clear, gel variety).

Julia says it's bad for the environment, and she's certainly not the only one. Rolf Halden (Arizona State University Institute Researcher) writes using this type of hand soap just isn't green in the least. According to his research, two active ingredients commonly found in these soaps (triclosan and triclocarban) could hurt the human endocrine system.

'But I don't eat my anti-bacterial soap,' you say?

According to Halden's research, you may be drinking it.

The chemicals in these anti-bacterial soaps don't break down; instead, they hang in the ecosystem, and can seep into drinking water supplies. According to the article, "Triclocarban is also now one of today’s top ten pharmaceuticals and personal care products most frequently found in the environment and in U.S. drinking water resources."

Interestingly, Halden says anti-bacterial soap isn't necessarily more effective than straight-up soap ("'the contact time simply is too short.'")

Another fear is the creation of "super bugs" from using anti-bacterial soap. That is, some experts say living in a bacteria-free bubble can weaken the immune system and foster the growth of bacteria that is anti-bacteria resistant.

I found various blogs and other articles adamantly anti anti-bacterial soap (do the two negatives make such an entry "pro-bacterial"? Just kidding).

Check out the links below:

Reasons to Quit Buying Antibacterial Soaps

Antibacterial soaps: Unnecessary risks, no benefits

Antibacterial Soap: An Imminent Threat to Human Health and the Environment?

-Beth