Healthy Home vs. Anti-bacterial Cleaners

Spring – a time to clean up our homes and open up our windows. Everyone loves a clean and healthy home, but beware of being “too clean”. In a recent article in The Washington Post, the FDA said “recent research raises ‘valid concerns’ about the possible health effects of triclosan, an antibacterial chemical found in a growing number of liquid soaps, hand sanitizers, dishwashing liquids, shaving gels… It is literally in every type of product – - most soaps, toothpaste, cosmetics, clothes and toys”.

The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) states that the concerns about triclosan are unfounded. Brian Sansoni of the SDA states “It’s more important than ever that consumers continue to have access to these products. It’s a time of increased threats from disease and germs.” Would we expect any other statement from a $ 30 billion cleaning products industry? It is interesting that other countries including members of the European Union have banned or restricted the use of this chemical.

Just how clean is clean?

Anti-bacterial soaps kill 99.6% of germs while regular soap (without triclosan) kill 99.4% of germs. In my opinon, it is not worth the .2% risk to use a chemical which has been found to cause health effects such as disrupting the endocrine system as well as creating bacteria which is becoming resistant to antibiotics. In 2005, the FDA said that there is no evidence that the antibacterial soaps work any better than soap and water.

Back to the Basics

If you are looking for a “natural” alternative to the chemical warfare, try vinegar.
Vinegar kills 99% – viruses, 82% – mold, 80% – bacteria
If you do not like the vinegar smell (which dissipates in about 5 minutes) you can add your favorite 100% pure essential oil.

Many hand sanitizers, such as Purell, use alcohol and do not contain triclosan. You need to read the label.

April Healthy-n-Green design principle:  Safe Maintenance Products

For more information, read The Washington Post article                                            http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/07/AR2010040704621.html