Antibacterial Products Are Dangerous
Antibacterial products are dangerously overused in the United States.
I took the above photo outside our local supermarket. The wipes caught my attention because the container said “antibacterial wipes.”
Indeed, research shows that “shopping carts are loaded with more saliva, bacteria and even fecal matter than escalators, public telephones, and even public bathrooms. The only surfaces that had more germs were playground equipment and bus rails.”
But can’t our bodies handle it? Assuming we are generally healthy and are not in a special risk group, do we really need to kill all bacteria and create a completely sterile environment for us and for our kids?
My biggest worry is about the liberal use of antibacterial products in the household. During a recent trip to the grocery store, I was looking for an all-purpose cleaner. It wasn’t easy to find a non-antibacterial cleaner. Finding a non-antibacterial hand soap is even more challenging.
I am enraged at the manufacturers, and I’m enraged at their stupid commercials, featuring smiling soccer moms who tell us that our counter tops are covered with bacteria and that we must use their product to kill “99.9″ of that bacteria, when our bodies should be perfectly capable of handling that bacteria.
Look at what happened with the very liberal use of antibiotics since the 1950s: by wiping out all but the most resistant bacteria, antibiotics were responsible for the development of a new “superbacteria,” capable of causing life-threatening illnesses, and resistant to antibiotics.
When we kill 99.9 of the bacteria on our counter tops, when we try to create a sterile, germ-free home, we are in fact encouraging the growth of much, much worse bacteria, that will not respond to antibacterial agents, and possibly not even to antibiotics. Do we want THAT on our counter tops?
When we choose antibacterial products, are we simply taking basic precautions to keep ourselves healthy, or are we slowly killing ourselves by weakening our immune systems and by contributing to the development of dangerous super bugs?
My personal opinion is that antibacterial products for the household should be outlawed. Seriously. They are that dangerous. What do you think? Do you use antibacterial products? If you do, are you aware of the possible implications?
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RC - Rambling Along... responds:
Posted: February 23rd, 2009 at 10:32 pm →
Okay, I’m going to ramble a bit and I hope I make sense… (I’m dealing with a minor lack-of-sleep issue right now.)
I’m very aware of the issues relating to the overuse of antibacterial products, and I don’t just worry about that household products. I’ve found myself second-guessing if my child truly needs antibiotics. That concern being said, I’m not the mother screaming for antibiotics for the common colds – and I do talk to the physician regarding each prescription, to make certain they don’t feel pressured into medicating my child when it might not be needed, since I’ve been informed by various medical personnel that the pressure to medicate, from patients and patients’ families, is very real.
I don’t know about banning every antibacterial product for households, since I do believe they serve a purpose for specific instances. I think educating the public, and offering more “basic” cleaning products is the answer. I believe all companies should take the initiative to offer more of these basic cleaning products, since I see more and more people demanding green cleaners and less use of antibacterial substances.
As for the wipes at the stores – I think stores should offer more alcohol-based hand cleansers, and skip the antibacterial wipes. Talk to most medical professionals – that would truly be the next best thing to washing hands, without overusing antibacterial substances.
There is an overuse problem, yes. However, I also do understand the wipes, from the perspective of being a mom with a young child. I do like to wipe down the cart before allowing my child to sit in it, only because I know he is about to lick the handle and chew on the metal. Yuck. But, I try to carry basic baby wipes for this situation, trusting that with my use of a little elbow grease and a light cleanser, his immune system will be able to handle what is left.
If I forget my wipes, I do like to have something available to wipe down that cart.
Patricia responds:
Posted: February 23rd, 2009 at 10:44 pm →
Vered there are antibacterial products and then there are other antibacterial products…..I do not use chlorine bleach to clean – that is a full spectrum germ killer and it takes away the good, beneficial microbes that build our systems and keep them running well. I have to be careful about how often I swim as that chlorine is very hard on my body.
I found an Oil of Thyme product that helps me control virus and bacteria growth in the kitchen and bathroom of my house when everyone is sharing a cold, without attacking our immune systems too.
I use vinegar to clean also and tea tree oil products…..I have an antibacterial hand soap based on tea tree oil for my honey to use at his office because it helps protect his fragile damaged lungs and the other men in his office are not very careful about hand washing and bringing colds to work….their tough!
My honey got a pseudomonus (now I can’t spell it) bacteria infection which destroyed 1/3 of his lung, when he was in Hong Kong (It is what the Brazilian Model just died of- she lost her hands and her legs and then her life) He went there to receive an award for his Green and Energy Efficient Design work!
I don’t use bleached flours or sugars either. It takes a great deal of vigilance and knowledge to stay healthy
Every one of my youngest child’s surgeries, she came home with some serious infection especially to her skin….from the Hospitals.
There is a balance but I think we over do it a great deal. And Ad people want us to buy, buy, buy
It’s a bit like my mum being persuaded to give us three glasses of milk everyday and we were all dairy intolerant, but she wanted to be a great mom but did not put 2 and 2 together!
Great post…enjoyed the read and the ideas – you must be just the best mom!
Mama Bear responds:
Posted: February 23rd, 2009 at 11:05 pm →
*standing ovation*
Our bodies have and do handle some pretty interesting bacteria. My father used to clean chicken bars (in a tractor – scoop the poop and bring it outside!) and he wore a watch while doing so. One day our family was at a friend’s house and their toddler had gotten a hold of my Dad’s watch and was busily gnawing on it. When it was time to leave, my Dad retrieved his watch and we all burst out in somewhat horrified laughter when we saw the toddler’s grimy, slobbery – filthy! face. His mother was exceptionally particular about cleanliness (read: sterile home) and between her two boys, the toddler who had had the watch was never sick and the other was quite sickly – pale and became ill quite often.
With my son, even though he has adrenal issues and his immune system isn’t as efficient as a typical baby’s, I’m quite liberal (we’re also very good at recognizing when our son needs extra cortisol to help his immune system remain strong). My husband can’t believe how relaxed I am in regards to my son’s cleanliness, or what he touches, or with whom he’s around – I prefer things quite clean (although I do use homemade cleaners!). But with the baby I firmly believe that sterilizing his surroundings or refusing to expose him to other people’s coughs is not going to protect him from getting sick, it’s going to ensure that when he does catch something it’s going to affect him so much more.
Here here for the banning of ‘antibacterial’!
Davina responds:
Posted: February 23rd, 2009 at 11:15 pm →
Hi Vered. I have heard about the implications of using too many anti-bacterial products. They run a commercial here on tv that says the best way to stop the spread of infection is to wash your hands (rather than take antibiotics). But, half the soap they use in public restrooms is anti-bacterial
I make a point now to wash my hands as soon as I get home and if I’m out, I wash before I eat. I do agree that our immune systems do more than most folk are giving them credit for. Things were far from sterile while I was growing up on the farm and I turned out healthy. Other than the occasional migraine, I haven’t been sick, had the flu or a cold in well over 2 years.
Kelvin Kao responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 1:31 am →
I haven’t thought about antibacterial products this way, but it’s true that many many superbacteria has been created after the use of antibiotics. However, can we compare antibiotics and antibacterial products (which I assume are not nearly as strong and targeted) like this? I don’t really know enough on the subject to know.
But it’s true that if you weren’t exposed to smaller, weaker amounts of bacteria, your immune system won’t be built up to be as strong.
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 1:54 am →
Hi Vered – I actually like that the grocery stores have the wipes. I’ve seen way too many little ones chewing on the handle of grocery carts with snotty noses and sticky fingers, not to mention kids kicking it with dirty shoes. However, I do agree we can antibacterial ourselves into unhealthy situations, I’m like Davina and am vigilant about washing my hands often. I’m guessing that’s helping as I haven’t been sick for a long time.
Lance responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 2:32 am →
We use mostly non- antibacterial products — and if we do, it’s not that we specifically planned to use them. While I think personal hygiene is important, we definitely don’t go overboard. And the thing is, we are rarely sick. Lucky? I doubt it. I think it’s that our bodies are able to fight things off better than someone who has been exposed to environments where germs are essentially wiped out. Then, when they are exposed – the effect is much worse. At least, that’s my theory anyway…
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 2:39 am →
I agree with you. I’m the kind of mom who views that the body learns how to fight off infections, and if you anti-bacterialize enough, all you’re doing is ensuring the bacteria that DOES survive is of the super-strain variety. I figure I must be doing something right – the last time I had to take anhy of my kids to the doctor for sickness was 3 years ago.
Data points, Barbara
Evelyn Lim responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 4:58 am →
I am not sure about having too many of anti-bacterial products and so refrain from buying them. I am concerned about our resistance wearing down over prolonged use. I prefer that my family uses more natural products. However, it appears to me that it is harder to get non anti-bacterial products than anti-bacterial products nowadays.
Betsy Wuebker responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 5:26 am →
Hi Vered – I agree that a little bacteria can be good for almost everyone.
And, of course, I’m angry at antibiotic over-use that contributed to the super-strains that we have among us now. It’s amazing the difference frequent handwashing makes, and also the good advice about keeping your fingertips out of your eyes (which is how a vast majority of colds get started – I remember one in particular where I pinpointed the exact moment I “gave” a cold to myself).
But . . . As the parent of a very vulnerable, susceptible child, let me offer another perspective. My son, the premie, has damaged lungs as a result of intubation and immaturity. (The littlest premies don’t have surfactant – which is now artificially administered to counteract hyaline membrane disease in the lungs. It was being tested 21 years ago and we were denied access to it.) A susceptible child, whose system is compromised by any number of issues, is a magnet for every opportunistic bug within miles. The toll it takes is difficult to imagine. They are constantly battling, and their little immune systems can quickly become overwrought.
My kid was the one with perpetual snot – on Barbara’s shopping cart, heh.
We had ear infections that never ended, more breathing issues than an asthmatic, constantly on prophylactic antibiotics, days without end where he was feverish and chilled. He just couldn’t catch more than a few days’ break. Because he has a shunt in his brain, it was imperative not to let an infection migrate to the spinal fluid or anywhere close where he could be compromised. Hydrocephalus would return with the risk of more surgery and death. Quickly we learned to switch antibiotics, sometimes in a vain effort to counteract pneumonia- and pleurisy-like conditions. These kids have it so tough that it’s hard to imagine.
Most of this ended for us when he had a tonsillectomy at age five. The difference was startling and immediate. It’s my opinion that his tonsils were a hospitable vacation condo for bacterial infections. He might have been getting the same infection, over and over and over again. Like the ocean waves, we could only outrun it for a time, and then it was back again with a vengeance.
We might have been accused back then of casual, or too frequent, antibiotic use. I’m sure in our small way, we contributed to the issue. We’d frequently run through the entire antibiotic tool kit only to start over again. There were many episodes where the pediatrician and I decided we should try and tough it out to avoid creating additional immunities to treatment. Rarely was that tactic successful.
This issue is more than complicated. While on the one hand, it’s okay to say, “Back in the day, we just got sick and developed immunities,” in today’s world, with super strains, or the resurgence of rogue diseases that we thought had been eradicated by routine vaccination – which some people cavalierly (IMO) ignore – it’s hard to draw absolute conclusions. Getting sick may not just develop immunities, but rather compromise permanently.
We talked about this over the weekend at the cabin. One of our guests grew up in a large family, in a very small house. They were constantly sick. When they got a dishwasher, voila! Fewer illnesses. So, I don’t think we need a completely sterile environment, but a complete ban on household anti-bacterials isn’t the answer, either. Advertisers nowadays have just exchanged “anti-bacterial” for “germs.” Moms in the 50′s and 60′s were all over germs with a clean sponge so that we could eat our white bread sandwiches right off the kitchen counter.
Jan responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 5:57 am →
I agree, I frequently lick the handle of my shopping cart just to boost my immune system. Actually, that’s a joke, but I do bring my own pen to the store every time. Imagine how many hands have held that pen at the cash register. It’s scary.
I think people have to be moderate. You want things clean, but we are building up antibiotic resistance like mad. Time to stop trying to live in a bubble.
Adrenalynn responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 6:20 am →
I could not agree more. Of course, I agree that there are certain situations when some anti-bacterial action would be appropriate (for instance, I wipe the outside of my hand bags now and then with anti-bacterial wipes because I sometimes put them on the floors of public restrooms and I want to be able to put them on my tables or sofas at home), but usually good hygiene should be enough. Although I do have an anti-bacterial hand solution in the bathroom for use when someone in the house is sick. I always try to stay away from the anti-bacterial cleaning products if I can, but they’re so hard to avoid!
Lovelyn responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 6:46 am →
I agree with you totally. I don’t use any anti-bacterial products because they’re dangerous. They are getting harder and harder to avoid though. That’s one of the things that got me started making my own cleaning products.
Dr. J responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 6:56 am →
Totally in support of your view, Vered! Soap and water guy here. I may use more soap and water prior to a surgical operation, but its still just S and W. Although there are some very, very rare exceptions, merely diluting infectious agents will completely prevent any infection from occurring, and in this case just water will do the job! Great message!!
Janet in Toronto responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 6:59 am →
I have avoided all anti-bacterial products containing ingredients like triclosan, for example, for years. Those lead to the superbugs. But what about alcohol-based hand sanitizers? I keep some in my car and slap some on after I’ve been in a store or mall and don’t have an opportunity to wash my hands. My understanding is that the alcohol kills the germs, but it’s not something that leads to superbugs. I could be misinformed.
MommyNamedApril responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 7:30 am →
Hi Vered –
I can remember vividly, several years ago, when my dad (a doc) spotted some anti-bacterial lotion in my car. He confiscated it and told me to STAY STAY away from it!
I think people get confused though and assume that antibacterial is the same as regular soap or alcohol based sanitizers. Which they are NOT!
Alcohol based sanitizers and regular (non-antibacterial) soap are prefect for keeping the cold and flu germs away – there’s no need for the heavy duty antibacterial stuff. Which, as you put so well, contribute to the mutation of viruses and bacteria which are harder (and sometimes impossible) for our bodies to fight off.
Scary stuff… thanks for the PSA
fraizerbaz responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 8:18 am →
I may never clean my bathroom or kitchen again!
Daphne responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 8:32 am →
Vered, I hadn’t really thought about this. I knew about the liberal use of antibiotics causing worse problems, but never made the transference to antibacterial wipes. Thanks for highlighting this.
Memarie Lane responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 9:05 am →
I use antibacterial soap in the kitchen because I’m terrified of food poisoning. But I’m not one of those moms that puts their kid in a shopping cart liner. I don’t care of they lick the shopping cart handle or eat a Cheerio off the floor, and in fact I rarely have them wash their hands. And the funny thing is, whenever we’re hit by illness, which is rare, the kids get sick for maybe one or two days, while Brad and I are down for the count for weeks.
Maxo responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 9:57 am →
Only somewhat related, but important to know, that these wipes or hand sanitizers do not kill Virus’ like the cold virus. Many people turn to antibacterial solutions during the cold season to protect themselves from viruses.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 10:14 am →
@ RC: I used to wipe down carts when my kids were little too. I used my own wipes. I totally get what you’re saying. My main point is that if you don’t pay special attention and just grab something at the store, it will likely be antibacterial. This is a problem.
@ Patricia: I agree that we need to find a balance. I’m very sorry about your husband’s illness – wow, that must have been scary. The best mom? I don’t know. Whenever my kids tell me I’m “the best mom” I just smile and say “I’m an OK mom.”
@ Mama Bear: When my first child was born, I was one of those crazy moms who would keep her away from kids who had colds. It took me several months to realize I wasn’t doing her any favor by overprotecting her.
@ Davina: I worry that we are slowly ruining our immune systems by keeping everything so sterile.
@ Kelvin Kao: “can we compare antibiotics and antibacterial products” – it’s not the same of course, but “wiping out 99.9 of counter-top bacteria” sounds like a very bad idea to me.
@ Barbara Swafford: I agree that washing hands is the best defense against the common cold. My point is that the soap need not be antibacterial for it to work.
@ Lance: I agree with your theory. Also agree that you can find yourself using antibacterial products unintentionally, simply since most of the products are antibacterial these days – and this is exactly what I’m worried about.
@ Barbara Ling: “all you’re doing is ensuring the bacteria that DOES survive is of the super-strain variety” – exactly.
@ Evelyn Lim: “it is harder to get non anti-bacterial products than anti-bacterial products nowadays” – it is! That’s why I think they should be outlawed.
@ Betsy Wuebker: Wow. That must have been incredibly tough on all of you. Yours was definitely an unusual case though – no one can judge your use of antibiotics. But for children with a normal immune system, I believe over cleanliness can be damaging.
@ Jan: I used to bring my own pen to the store! I don’t anymore. I agree that we need to find a balance.
@ Adrenalynn: “I always try to stay away from the anti-bacterial cleaning products if I can, but they’re so hard to avoid!” – EXACTLY. They are hard to avoid, and they shouldn’t be. They shouldn’t be there at all in my opinion. Not for regular household use, anyway.
@ Lovelyn: “That’s one of the things that got me started making my own cleaning products.” Interesting. I don’t think I’m the “make your own cleaning products” type, but I make a lot of effort to avoid antibacterial cleaning products.
@ Dr. J: I did read somewhere that just washing with water is often all it takes to prevent infection.
@ Janet in Toronto: I use alcohol-based hand sanitizes. As far as I know, they’re safe and do not present a risk of contributing to the development of super bacteria.
@ MommyNamedApril: Haha I guess this was indeed a PSA.
@ fraizerbaz: Please do clean… with non-antibacterial detergent.
@ Daphne: As April said, this was my PSA of the week.
@ Memarie Lane: “whenever we’re hit by illness, which is rare, the kids get sick for maybe one or two days, while Brad and I are down for the count for weeks.” – same happens to us!
@ Maxo: Dr. Greene does state on his website that alcohol-based sanitizes do not claim to kill viruses – just bacteria.
Carla responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 10:28 am →
1. Whole Foods has wipes for their carts, but they are essential oil based, not anti bacterial which I love. Though I’m generally not germ phobic, I do make sure I wash my hands, use towels when leaving public restrooms and so on. I just stay away from products that contains Triclosan. Soap, water and time (time spent in the hand washing process) is sufficient.
I would like to think that I’m not manic, but it really grosses me out when I see women walk out of the bathroom stall and bathroom w/o washing their hands. I do like use my own pen (if I remember to bring it) at the checkout, wash my hands after using the pump, and even use napkins to hold the rail on public transportation or sometimes go down the stairs but its not the end of the world if I don’t.
Cath Lawson responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 10:46 am →
Hi Vered – yuk – I never thought about shopping trolley’s when it comes to germs. I wouldn’t use anti-bacterial wipes in abundance but I’m careful about washing my hands, if I’ve just shaken the hand of someone grubby etc.
When I was in nursing, one of the hospitals I worked in went way OTT in their efforts to anti-bacterialize everything. But it backfired. They were always switching products, as each one stopped working. And now folk are dying in hospital, because of these superbugs.
Bamboo Forest - PunIntended responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 10:49 am →
“It wasn’t easy to find a non-antibacterial cleaner.”
I always prefer the non-antibacterial hand soap. And, you’re so right, they are very difficult to find which I find highly annoying. Frustrating even.
Michelle @ What Does Your Body Good? responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 11:29 am →
I very much agree. It’s just absurd the way that people shrink from the idea of bacteria. How about this, people: We have 6 lbs. of bacteria in our digestive tract. Hear that? It’s good bacteria and we can’t live without it. So let’s stop freaking out already.
Alison responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 2:17 pm →
Reminds me of the commercial where the woman wipes her counters with a piece of raw chicken.
Patricia responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 4:43 pm →
Vered,
Whenever my kids say I am the best mom….I say oh really? I thought I was an Awesome Mum!
Now they just say – you are such an Awesome mum and we all have a good laugh and a hug…works for me better than best mom…more open to definition
Laurin responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 6:43 pm →
I’m amazed at how ok I am with germs and dirt because I thought I would be germophobe mom before my kids were born. I use all non-antibacterial cleaners and mostly vinegar and am pretty much at peace with bacteria.
However, I have 2 ewwww triggers – grocery cart handles and clammy kid hands. I use those wipes at the store so I can sample the ham at the deli counter without grossing myself out. All of this is highly scientific.
Stephanie responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 7:55 pm →
I avoid antibacterial products too. For cleaning around the house I just use vinegar and/or baking soda. They get most jobs done quite nicely.
I read an article a couple years back that pointed out that the way most people use antibacterial products isn’t the most effective way. For household cleansers, they tend to wipe it up too quickly, and the stronger bacteria aren’t killed. Far better to use cleansers that simply remove the bacteria from the surface.
Finding hand soap that doesn’t have triclosan can be a pain! But I do my best because washing your hands correctly gets rid of the dirt and germs quite nicely. No antibacterial products needed.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 8:28 pm →
@ Carla: “it really grosses me out when I see women walk out of the bathroom stall and bathroom w/o washing their hands.” I know! I’m sometimes tempted to say something, but I never do.
@ Cath Lawson: “And now folk are dying in hospital, because of these superbugs.” – true, and it’s scary. Hospitals have become dangerous places.
@ Bamboo Forest: It’s very annoying. I find they put the antibacterial stuff at eye level, so you have to really search for the regular soap.
@ Michelle: “We have 6 lbs. of bacteria in our digestive tract.” I didn’t know! Fascinating.
@ Alison: I don’t recall this commercial! Sounds funny in a freakish sort of way.
@ Patricia: Hmm I might try that next time.
@ Laurin: Haha @ “clammy kid hands” – clummy adult hands are way worse!
@ Stephanie: “washing your hands correctly gets rid of the dirt and germs quite nicely. No antibacterial products needed.” – EXACTLY.
Giovanna Garcia responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 11:05 pm →
I always believe that anything that kills bacteria will most likely kill a little of us as well. And if we kills all bacteria that we wouldn’t use our immune system any more. Then when something big happen our immune system is not going to know what to do.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
The Lawyer Mom responds:
Posted: February 25th, 2009 at 1:33 am →
Vered, You are dead on. Healthy babies and kids require exposure to bacteria to build up immunities, antibodies to protect them later on (and reduce the need for antibiotics down the road).
The research bears you out, as do my anecdotal experiences. To give you but one example: a friend of mine became fanatical about using the stuff after her first child was born. Had signs plastered on her front door even, instructing all visitors to proceed to the bathroom and wash their hands in anti-B soap under the hottest water they could bear.
Her two boys developed allergies, asthma and autism. The youngest is severely affected, with significant developmental delays.
Now I don’t pretend to know which came first — the chicken or the egg — and we may never know for sure if anti-Bs contributed to, or caused, these little boys’ problems.
But the fact is, an alarming, increasing number of children today — more than ever before — have autoimmune disorders, including asthma and autism. Why?
We at least know this: children develop immunities to germs/bacteria from exposure to them. Anti-Bs eliminate these exposures, robbing children of the chance to fight them off for good.
Conscientious moms are clearly not to blame. But the douche-a-day, soap-equals-God claims sure warrant some scrutiny.
Oftentimes, new-fangled means fubarred (remember Vioxx?). Even in these modern days, all healthy kids really need is a tire swing, some dirt, and a bar of Ivory soap. (Oh, and some probiotics when they do have to take antibiotics).
Joel Falconer responds:
Posted: February 25th, 2009 at 2:34 am →
We are totally paranoid and paranoia always, inevitably, without fail, is the start of irrationality. I find it absurd that people have become so manic as to require all things and hands be cleaned with anti-bacterials all the time, and I have to be admit I find the whole idea of bringing your own pen to the store or using a napkin to hold a rail to be a bit manic.
Further on the over-the-top hygiene front, we’ve got chlorine and fluoride in our water supply. Look, even if these things have some benefits, I want pure water when I turn on the tap — if I want something else, I’ll add it, don’t force it on me. But the truth is that the dangers of these chemicals outweigh the benefits and in our desperation to be germ-free and over the top in everything we do, we’re harming people.
The bottom line is this: the purpose of having good hygiene is to stay healthy. When your hygiene practices are causing health issues, you’re not just defeating the purpose. You’re perpetuating dangerous irrationality.
Robin responds:
Posted: February 25th, 2009 at 3:36 am →
Hi Vered – this is one of my pet peeves. It is ridiculous on a number of fronts – the possible breeding of superbacteria, the unlikeliness of these products actually killing much anyway, and the silly fear people have of getting a “germ” that might make them sick. Sigh.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: February 25th, 2009 at 9:30 am →
@ Giovanna Garcia: I agree! I worry that we are weakening our immune systems while contributing to the growth of super bacteria.
@ The Lawyer Mom: “Conscientious moms are clearly not to blame.” Absolutely! I blame the manufacturers of these products and I also blame the legislature for not stepping in and regulating their use.
@ Joel Falconer: It’s great to see you here again.
“the purpose of having good hygiene is to stay healthy. When your hygiene practices are causing health issues, you’re not just defeating the purpose.” RXACTLY.
@ Robin: “the silly fear people have of getting a “germ” that might make them sick” – I had that with my firstborn. It took me several months to realize that I shouldn’t whisk her away whenever a child who apparently had a cold showed up.
Mark Salinas responds:
Posted: February 25th, 2009 at 10:00 am →
We in our family are guilty of using the antibacterial products quite often. We have a container in the vehicles. Fortunately we are out and I am not going to replace them. I loved the previous photo btw!
Happiness Is Better responds:
Posted: February 25th, 2009 at 1:01 pm →
I also think that bacteria definitely has it’s place in our lives. If our bodies are not subjected to bacteria on a regular basis, it’s only a matter of time until our immune systems weaken and won’t be able to take an attack from bacteria that we should be able to handle. Of course, all of this is my opinion. I have no scientific data to back this up.
Thanks for the post!
Jannie Funster responds:
Posted: February 25th, 2009 at 1:07 pm →
I am pretty OCD about hand-washing. And I use hand sanitizer about 20 times a day. I’ve been like this for about 4 years and I have not had any colds or the flu since getting so OCD.
I am wondering if the antibiotic medicines some have mentioned above are more of a health problem than our household cleaners? Those are the super-bugs I’d really worry about.
And kids I think, by their nature, get plenty of germs as they go about their day so I don’t worry too much about having “too clean” a house. (Which I don’t anyway. But I wouldn’t worry if I did.)
Tara responds:
Posted: February 25th, 2009 at 1:33 pm →
My daughter licks her hands after rubbing them all over the bottom of her shoes.
I say ‘honey, there are germs on those shoes. You’ve been walking over all sorts of things’ and she just looks at me and licks her hands.
Even if I did use anti bac cleaners there would be no rescuing her – and she’s the healthiest child I know!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: February 25th, 2009 at 5:28 pm →
@ Mark Salinas: If you’re referring to the alcohol-based solutions, I think those are OK.
@ Happiness Is Better: I think there IS plenty of scientific data to back it up actually.
@ Jannie Funster: I’m sure antibiotics are a much bigger threat than antibacterial products.
@ Tara: Haha sounds like my youngest.
Ruth responds:
Posted: February 25th, 2009 at 6:52 pm →
I wouldn’t outlaw them simply because I always use antibacterial soap after handling raw meat with my bare hands. This week, for instance, I made turkey meatballs. Or I often pull the skin of chicken thighs. And for that, I’m always paranoid if I don’t wash my hands with antibacterial soap.
Otherwise, it makes sense that our bodies are meant to withstand certain amount of bacteria and whatnot…and that for those of us who have average, healthy bodies it’s actually kind of healthy. I’ve been working on getting over OCD anti-bacterial handwashing, which was quite important when I was working at a hospital with newborns but isn’t appropriate for the rest of life.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: February 26th, 2009 at 10:06 am →
@ Ruth: “which was quite important when I was working at a hospital with newborns but isn’t appropriate for the rest of life.” – exactly. What’s important in a hospital setting is not needed in a household setting.
Kim Woodbridge responds:
Posted: February 26th, 2009 at 11:29 am →
Wipes wouldn’t do me much good anyway. My daughter touches everything and then sucks on her two fingers (not her thumb). Really grosses me out on the subway. But like so many others have said she’s one of the healthiest kids I know.
Doesn’t it seem like a lot of products foisted upon us to solve a problem ultimately end up creating new and even bigger problems?
Dot responds:
Posted: February 27th, 2009 at 2:39 pm →
Very interesting discussion. I’ve been aware of this for some time. I’m somewhat of a special needs person. I often need antibiotics to defeat an infection because of my impaired immune system due to an autoimmune disease. However, even so, doctors have been urging me not to take the antibiotics.
I’ve noticed germ paranoia ever since AIDS became known. Members of the public who don’t read labels or keep themselves informed on issues like this are very susceptible to the fears generated by advertising. Also, both hand sanitizer and vinegar are antibiotics in the sense that they kill bacteria. Hand sanitizer uses alcohol, and who knows what vinegar uses.
When I was growing up, soap and water was touted as the best way to get rid of germs. I was always sick, but I think that can be attributed more to the lack of any kind of cleaning.
I can’t help but wonder, after the mother cleans the shopping cart with an antibiotic wipe, probably containing denatured alcohol, is the child now chewing on something that’s more dangerous than before?
MomGrind responds:
Posted: February 27th, 2009 at 7:11 pm →
@ Kim Woodbridge: My youngest sucks on her two fingers too!
@ Dot: “Members of the public who don’t read labels or keep themselves informed on issues like this are very susceptible to the fears generated by advertising.” I agree. Advertising is a big problem. I hate those soccer-mom-ads.
Zandria responds:
Posted: March 2nd, 2009 at 11:16 am →
You’re right…it’s getting harder to find products that AREN’T anti-bacterial. My mom is like you, though — she won’t use them.
Leslie responds:
Posted: March 2nd, 2009 at 1:40 pm →
Lately, I’ve been using Clorox Greenworks for cleaning and Method soaps for handwashing at our house, and neither are antibacterial. I have the same concerns that you have, and I always check the label. Often that means paying more – which can amount to designer soap shopping and the like – but it is entirely worth it.
Natural responds:
Posted: March 3rd, 2009 at 12:40 pm →
nope. don’t use antibacterial products. i clean with simple products – there are germs everywhere and i don’t feel the need to sterilize everything. common sense works just fine.
Sara at On Simplicity responds:
Posted: March 3rd, 2009 at 10:22 pm →
I stopped fooling with anti-bacterial hand rubs after my husband took a food safety seminar and came home with the following tidbit: When you get a dollop of that stuff and rub it on your hands, you’re effectively taking that tiny 0.01 percent that you didn’t kill–the truly icky stuff–and spreading it *all over* yourself.
Bootstrap Your Green Efforts : 10 ways to go green TODAY | Simple Mom responds:
Posted: March 4th, 2009 at 1:02 am →
[...] in your home. This is one of the easiest ways to go green right here and now. And with all the controversy surrounding cleaners and antibacterials these days, this is a worry -free way to clean up. This is especially valuable in homes with little [...]
Long Overdue Link Love | Billionaire Woman.com responds:
Posted: March 4th, 2009 at 9:17 am →
[...] Antibacterial Products Are Dangerous by Vered over at MomGrind: I’ve always been a bit skeptical of using tons of antibacterial hand sanitizers, but Vered really opened my eyes on this one. It’s an important topic that we can all stand to educate ourselves about more. [...]
MomGrind responds:
Posted: March 4th, 2009 at 12:42 pm →
@ Zandria: Your mom is smart!
@ Leslie: “Often that means paying more” – true, and although it irritates me, I agree – it’s worth it.
@ Natural: “i don’t feel the need to sterilize everything” – exactly.
@ Sara: Ewww that sounds bad. Thanks for the info!
Tyler @ Building Camelot responds:
Posted: March 6th, 2009 at 4:30 pm →
I’ll even go one step further and confess that I don’t make my oldest daughter wash her hands every time she uses the restroom. Take that damn super bugs!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: March 6th, 2009 at 9:07 pm →
@ Tyler: I don’t know about that… I think it’s very important to wash one’s hands after using the bathroom. But we should wash them with regular soap.
Tyler - Building Camelot responds:
Posted: March 7th, 2009 at 4:01 pm →
I know. Don’t get me wrong, we don’t let it happen all the time. We do use a lot of Method soap around the house and we also use Kandoo kids soap in her bathroom.
Katie responds:
Posted: March 11th, 2009 at 8:17 pm →
Absolutely! I just did a three-part series at my blog on the dangers of antibacterial, and you can find more detailed information about the DIFFERENCES between anti-bac products and the ones you REALLY want to avoid, as well as “the science of soap” and how to simply wash your hands well. My family hasn’t even had a cold for 4 months, and we live in Michigan and have a crawler (who is in a nursery once a week) and a preschooler. Seriously. You can be healthy without anti-bac products. Please visit Kitchen Stewardship for more!
54 Tips For Green Living - Earth Day 2009 | responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 1:01 am →
[...] 49. Use green detergents and soaps. Avoid chlorine bleach and antibacterial products. [...]
Liz responds:
Posted: July 24th, 2010 at 12:57 pm →
I am concerned with the use of anitbacterial wipes at schools. I believe some of the schools are using these for the kid’s hand cleaning prior to lunch. I wonder how much of the residue from the wipe they are ingesting.