A Solution to the Anti-bacterial Soap Controversy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 11, 2010 -- Various studies have shown these concerns are valid and well worth attending to, yet very little has been done to address the situation.Perhaps the best solution to the problem is to find ways to make our own soap.(http://www.supersoapmakingsecrets.com)

In 2000, the American Medical Association (AMA) issued a statement claiming that anti-microbial and anti-bacterial agents in cleansing products are not needed by topical hand lotions, soaps, or cleansers in order for these products to be effective. A study done by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 2005 supported this statement when the results of a year long study of 224 households, some of which used anti-bacterial soap and some of which did not, showed that there was no greater development of bacteria in either household setting. Meaning, the use of anti-bacterial products is no different from good old fashioned soap and water.
Both the statement issued by the AMA and the study done by the CDC were done to promote awareness on the use of anti-bacterial products, particularly those that contain triclosan, an anti-bacterial chemical that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been trying to remove from soaps since 1978. Follow up studies and research done between 2006 and 2009 have all shown that triclosan does more harm than good, and should indeed be removed from products that are widely used by the public such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, make-up, shaving creams, etc.

Triclosan, though useful for specific medical purposes, is a chemical that breaks down bacterial cell walls. Making it effective in removing bacteria from the body. However, it also breaks down some of the body's natural antibodies, which means a person's natural defense system is also affected triclosan.
More than just affecting the immune system, however, triclosan has been known to alter hormones (thyroxine in particular), and contribute to birth defects and skin problems. Another long term effect is the development of drug-resistant diseases, such as multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis. Microbiologists fear that the use of triclosan reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics, which allows bacteria that causes diseases to evolve and become stronger, rendering currently useful antibiotics useless.

Despite compelling evidence and many recommendations to stop the use of triclosan, concrete steps are yet to be made. The FDA's proposed rule to remove triclosan was never made law, resulting in the widespread use of the chemical with little regulation.
It seems that this is one of the issues the public will need to take into it's own hands. Making a conscious effort to purchase products that are free of triclosan prevent some of its long term effects. However, society has been using anti-bacterial products for so long, it is actually quite difficult to find products that do not have triclosan or other chemical anti-bacterial agents.
It seems that this is one of the issues the public will need to take into it's own hands

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