Anti-bacterial handsoaps: pro or con?
July 28th, 2007This article goes into some detail into the controversy surrounding anti-bacterial handsoaps. The main point of contention is that anti-bacterial hand soaps (and dishwashing liquids) contribute to the erosion of society’s resistance to leading bacteria. The article makes this case strongly, though also providing an argument on the other side as well.
The article also makes the important point that households that use anti-bacterial soaps are no more likely to suffer from colds and illness than households that don’t use them. This is a conclusion of a research study. The reason is that most common illnesses are viral rather than bacterial. The implication is that anti-bacterial soaps are not only environmentally detrimental, but don’t contribute very much to a healthier home.