Triclosan

You think you're doing your body good by washing your hands with antibacterial soap, but recent research might cause you to stop. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that exposure to the chemical triclosan, which is found in many antibacterial soaps, may be linked to impaired muscle function.

Also known by its brand name Microban, triclosan can also be found in mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, and common household items like bedding and towels. The use of this chemical has been growing since its introduction in the '70s, which is why scientists wanted to find out what effect it had on humans.

Instead of testing on actual people, the researchers produced fully functioning cells derived from primary muscle cells in humans. After exposure to normal daily levels of triclosan, they discovered that the muscles' ability to respond when stimulated was greatly affected. Interfering with this function can not only have debilitating effects on people, it can also be fatal since your good old ticker is a muscle.

This isn't cause for major concern just yet, since most people have the ability to quickly metabolize the chemical and excrete it in their urine. The FDA does state there's no evidence that triclosan has any extra health benefits, so it makes sense to just avoid it. If you're concerned, check labels and look for products made without triclosan (Microban) from brands such as CleanWell, Nature's Gate, Ivory, Tom's of Maine, Listerine Essential Care, Peelu, Weleda, and Purell.

It's a grimy world out there, but are we fighting bacteria too hard? According to a new study, overuse of antibacterial products can hurt the immune system.

Researchers compared triclosan and BPA antibody levels to allergies or hay fever cases in a sample of US adults and children over age six. Children and teens overexposed to triclosan, an ingredient found in many antibacterial products, were at a higher risk for hay fever and other allergies, while adults exposed to high levels of Bisphenol A (BPA), found in plastics, were also found to have weaker immune systems.

What should you do? Don't throw all your antibacterial products out just yet. The FDA has acknowledged safety concerns over triclosan, but is still studying it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you work soap into a full lather and wash hands for 20 seconds, and use hand sanitizer as backup if a sink isn't available. As for the BPA, invest in BPA-free containers.

Not too long ago, the Canadian Medical Association proposed a ban on triclosan, an ingredient found in many antibacterial products that is used to stop the growth of bacteria. Now, the FDA has issued a consumer update, acknowledging that safety concerns over the ingredient warranted a review.

The report acknowledges that triclosan is not known to be a hazard to humans, but following new research, some studies have shown it can alter hormone regulation in animals. Plus, it could contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics, which is why the Canadian Medical Association proposed the ban. For now, the FDA is calling triclosan safe to use, so there's no need to worry about tossing your antibacterial products. But, the FDA has not found evidence that products containing triclosan provide a health benefit over triclosan-free products, so eliminating the stuff from your supply of toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizers, and more won't do any harm, either. In a statement issued Friday, Canada declined to say whether or not they agree with the FDA's stance.

If you're a big believer in antibacterial cleansers, the clearer skin you're seeing may just be from the placebo effect — and it could also be bad for your health. In light of recent health and safety questions about triclosan, the ingredient that gives most cleansers their antimicrobial properties, the FDA is now concerned it may be an endocrine disruptor. This news comes on the heels of a new study that finds a potential link between phthalates in cosmetics and hormone changes.

On top of that, the agency "does not have evidence that triclosan added to antibacterial soaps and body washes provides extra health benefits over soap and water." So if you're using an antibacterial cleanser, you're probably better off sticking with a gentle soap. If you're concerned, you might consider switching — at least until the FDA's safety review comes through, which should take about a year.

Antibacterial products are everywhere right now, thanks to continuing swine-flu fears. But earlier research indicates that antibacterial products containing triclosan aren't any better at killing bacteria than regular soap. Now, the Canadian Medical Association is proposing a ban on antibacterial products on the grounds that they actually promote more bacteria.

The culprit? Triclosan, the active ingredient in many antibacterial products. According to a recent story in Canada's Globe and Mail, triclosan shows up in everything from hand wipes to toothpaste and unfortunately resurfaces in drinking water and breast milk. Its ubiquity is making bacteria more resistant to triclosan and other antibiotics used to treat illness.

Dr. Kapil Khatter, who proposed the Canadian ban, suggests avoiding triclosan and instead using good ol' soap and water to fend off bacteria. He also endorses sanitizing gels, such as Purell, that are alcohol-based. Do you avoid antibacterial products?