Antibacterial products could be a health risk

Ben84

Antibacterial products are being reviewed by the FDA due to health and environmental concerns.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2013/12/16/antibacterial-soaps-may-pose-health-risk-fda-says/

I think a lot of people are still oblivious to the suspected dangers of these products and just assume that they're better in some way. The advertising I see is hardly balanced either. It does seem simple on the surface, but the compounds used to kill bacteria are linked to other effects on people and the environment, while the actual value of killing bacteria in this way is questionable.

fkaprotz1

Yep, as with many household chemicals, there are plenty of nasty substances in there. Ever looked at what's contained in products like flea killing powder or mould remover? I always try and use chemicals in a well-ventilated room.

Ben84

fkaprotz1 wrote: »

Yep, as with many household chemicals, there are plenty of nasty substances in there. Ever looked at what's contained in products like flea killing powder or mould remover? I always try and use chemicals in a well-ventilated room.

That's true, but they don't advertise themselves as being healthy to apply to yourself in the same way antibacterial soaps do.

System

'may be dangerous', 'may be aiding growth of antibacterial resistant' etc
may may may
Lots of conjecture but nothing of substance

Ben84

!!!!!! wrote: »

'may be dangerous', 'may be aiding growth of antibacterial resistant' etc
may may may
Lots of conjecture but nothing of substance

Well, some of the popular antibacterial ingredients are poisonous to the environment and Canada is planning to ban them, that's not conjecture. As for the rest, time will tell, but until then it's worth knowing that that if it's actually beneficial and what if any negatives come with using them is nowhere near as clear as the advertising suggests.