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When people think of pesticides, they typically think of those toxic chemicals that are too often sprayed on lawns and landscapes to get rid of weeds or the poisons that are used to kill roaches and mice. While these are perhaps the most common uses of pesticides at home, another pesticide has quietly found its way into our hand washing and dishwashing soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, cosmetics, countertops, paints, towels, computer keyboards, even socks and sandals.

Are bugs and weeds threatening our computers and socks? No, but the manufacturers of products with this pesticide would like you to believe bacteria are. Triclosan, the most common antibacterial, has become nearly ubiquitous in today’s home and many parents feel a deep sense of comfort thinking they are warding off illness and disease by using it.

Here’s a top ten list of facts that compel one to rethink our newfound fear of bacteria and the legitimacy for using triclosan.

1. The most common illnesses (colds, flu and gastrointestinal upsets) are caused by viruses. Antibacterials, like triclosan have little or no effect on viruses.
2. Antibacterial products target good bacteria as well as bad, but our bodies need those good bacteria. They help us digest our food, for example, and keep harmful microorganisms from entering our bodies through our main orifices like our mouths and nose.
3. The bad bacteria we encounter typically have no impact on a healthy immune system. In fact, only 1 percent to 2 percent of microbes are likely to make us sick.
4. Bacteria are so prevalent and reproduce so fast that it’s impossible to eliminate them anyway. In addition, a large number of recent studies have found substantial evidence that triclosan and triclosan-containing products actually promote the emergence of bacteria resistant to antibiotic medications and antibacterial cleansers.
5. Research shows that plain soap and water is just as effective for hand washing as products containing triclosan. (Even sixth grader Sydney Lukus discovered this when she chose to examine the effectiveness of antibacterial soap in comparison to natural soap. Her science experiment won four awards in addition to being recognized at the Carnegie Science Awards in Pennsylvania). The Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee, which advises the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), voted 11-1 that antibacterial soaps and washes were no more effective than regular soap and water in fighting infections—both work equally as well.
6. Triclosan is showing up in the environment, in drinking water, in breast milk, places it obviously doesn’t belong. And when it mixes with the chlorine used for cleaning drinking water, it turns into chloroform (a carcinogen that also causes liver and kidney damage).
7. Since wastewater treatment plants fail to remove triclosan from the water and the compound is highly stable for long periods of time, a huge amount of triclosan is emitted into waterways. In a U.S. Geological Survey study of 95 different organic wastewater contaminants in U.S. streams, triclosan is one of the most frequently detected compounds, and in some of the highest concentrations.
8. Triclosan has a marked hypothermic effect, lowering the body temperature, and overall causing a “nonspecific depressant effect on the central nervous system” of mice. Triclosan is weakly androgenic. Triclosan is listed as “could be” and “suspected to be” contaminated with dioxins in EPA’s draft Dioxin Reassessment (dioxins are among the strongest carcinogens known to humankind).
9. The overuse of triclosan (and other antibacterials) could potentially be increasing the incidence of allergies. The “hygiene hypothesis” theorizes that there is a correlation between too much hygiene and increased allergies and asthma. Studies have found an increase in the frequency of allergies, asthma and eczema in persons who have been raised in more sterile and hygienic environments. Through over-cleaning ourselves, The theory states, the body’s immune system is not challenged, and thus it is prevented from developing and maturing.
10. Even the American Medical Association concludes, “Despite their recent proliferation in consumer products, the use of antimicrobial agents such as triclosan in consumer products has been studied extensively. No data exist to support their efficacy when used in such products or any need for them. . .it may be prudent to avoid the use of antimicrobial agents in consumer products. . .”

Don’t be fooled into buying computer keyboards and socks that claim to fight bacteria with triclosan. They’re unnecessary and a waste of your good money. And abandon your antibacterial soaps and use plain soap and water for cleaning your hands in addition to using safer alternatives for cleaning your home.

Learn more about triclosan and other antibacterials at Beyond Pesticides

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