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Hands Too Clean?
By Christine Gorman
If the widespread use of antibiotics is helping drug-resistant germs spread, will things get even worse if everybody starts using those new antibacterial soaps? No one knows for sure, but there is cause for concern.
Unlike antibiotics, which are either found in nature or mimic the action of natural substances, antibacterial soaps contain triclosan and other synthetic chemicals that manufacturers once claimed could wipe out all bacteria. But in the past two years, researchers have shown that some germs can, at least in the laboratory, mutate to counter triclosan's effects. That could be a problem because so many household products—from sponges to cutting boards to dishwashing liquids—now contain triclosan. Once a few germs develop resistance, they will be much more likely to survive in a world full of triclosan. Many researchers believe that prudent consumers, for their own good—not to mention the good of the planet—should keep triclosan products out of the house.
What about alcohol-based sanitizers such as Purell? They are less likely to pose a problem, because liquid alcohol quickly evaporates and leaves no bug-fighting residue.
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