We’ve told you before that anti-bacterial soap is not necessary. Regular soap, when used properly, kills bacteria perfectly fine. (You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, and get between those fingers.)
Now new research from the University of California, Davis, has found that the primary chemicals in anti-bacterial soap — triclosan and triclocarban — could damage sex hormones and the nervous system in humans. Past studies have shown that exposure to these chemicals disrupts growth and development in rats and frogs.
In the United States, 76 percent of liquid soaps and 26 percent of bar soaps contain triclosan, according to a 2001 study in the American Journal of Infection Control. And three-quarters of people tested in the U.S. have triclosan in their urine, according to a 2008 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The doctors at Total Health Breakthroughs say that more research must be done before we can be sure of how serious the health risk is. Meanwhile, they suggest that you stop using anti-bacterial soaps.
Stumble Upon
Del.icio.us
Buzz