Is antibacterial soap safe?

The US authorities are urgently preparing to report the final conclusion about whether triclosan - a bactericidal component in nearly 75% of liquid bath and soap products sold in the US, is useless. worse than harm the user or not.

Triclosan has been used in bactericidal products for over 40 years. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to publish a re-evaluation report on the safety of triclosan this year.

FDA's conclusion about whether triclosan continues to be used in household cleansing and cleansing products is expected to have a huge impact on a $ 1 billion industry, including goods. Hundreds of germicidal products, from toothpaste to children's toys.

The move of the FDA takes place with increasing pressure from lawmakers, consumer rights groups and individuals concerned about the safety of triclosan. Some recent studies on triclosan in animals have made scientists worry that this chemical may increase the risk of infertility, premature puberty and other hormonal problems in humans.

Triclosan has been used in bactericidal products for over 40 years. (Photo: AP )

Allison Aiello, a professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, said: "It seems to me that the risks associated with such products outweigh any benefits they bring. Currently, triclosan seems to be an unnecessary chemical ".

Concern for triclosan has revealed a little truth: Many chemicals used in everyday household products have never been approved by US medical regulators. This is because many disinfectant chemicals have been developed for decades before a law required a scientific review of cleaning components.

Controversy also highlights the time required for the federal government to review the safety of such chemicals. A common fact is that this process may take many years because authorities must consider countless studies and receive public opinion for each bill.

In the case of triclosan, the US Congress passed a law in 1972, asking FDA to issue guidelines for dozens of common antibacterial chemicals, used to produce soaps, lotions and detergents. Appliances. These guidelines act as a production manual for detailed instructions about what chemicals can be used and in what dosage.

In 1978, the FDA published the first guide. exploration of chemicals used in shower gel and hand soap. If this book is clear, triclosan "is generally not recognized as safe and effective" , because authorities cannot find enough scientific research to prove its safety and effectiveness.

The FDA has published several versions of the manual over time, but the agency has not yet finalized the conclusion. Therefore, companies still do not have to remove triclosan from their products.