Harmful Handwashing: 7 Dangers of Antibacterial Soaps

Products promising antibacterial protection, sold under brand names including Dial and Lever, contain chemicals whose safety has been questioned for years, with research suggesting that they could interfere with hormones in the body and increase the resistance of bacteria to common antibiotic medications. Antibacterial cleansing products containing the ingredient triclosan claim to offer more germ-fighting protection than regular soaps against some of the most virulent illnesses present in modern society, such as staphylococcus, influenza and strep.

However, antibacterial soaps present some risks in addition to their stated advantages. About 75 percent of liquid antibacterial soaps and 30 percent of bars use …read more