Darker Side of Your Antibacterial Toilet Soap!

Darker Side of Your Antibacterial Toilet Soap!

Dr. Guru Prasad Mohanta

Professor of Pharmacy, Annamalai University,

P.O. Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu – 608 002

E. mail: gpmohanta@hotmail.com, Cell: 09443885138

            Hand washing is not only part of our cultural habit and religious faith, but has great importance in preventing infections and illness. Microorganisms are present everywhere and we often use toilet soaps with antibacterial agents in order to remove them from our body including hands. We believe, perhaps more because of influence from advertisement, that the antibacterial soaps are more effective and better than ordinary soap. It is just another myth. The United States Food and Drugs Administration (USFDA) has just confirmed that antibacterial soaps and liquid washes are no better than ordinary soap and water. It cautioned “long term use of these products are harmful too”. USFDA, world’s most effective regulatory agency, is mandated to protect and promote public health in USA.

            The antibacterial soaps and washes contain chemicals like triclosan and triclocarbon. Triclosan is used in liquid soap and triclocarbon in toilet soap. They are used along with water and rinsed off after use. They are promoted for being superior to non-bacterial washes in preventing human illness or reducing illness. Manufacturers of these products failed to provide evidence of their superiority.  Triclosan, a synthetic antimicrobial, is introduced into use as an ingredient of disinfectant hand wash lotions for hospital staff. Now this is found in almost all our personal products: cosmetics, tooth pastes, household cleansers, detergents, sports clothing and kitchen utensils. But has been under scanner of the authorities for its reported adverse effects.

            The animal studies show that this chemical enhances the growth of breast cancer cells, adversely affect the functioning of muscles and hormone system, damage liver and possibly cause of emergence  liver cancer on long term contact. While the animal effects may not be the complete evidence of similar ill effects in humans, but definitely risks cannot be excluded. Because of their wide and unrestricted use, they are now detected even in the urine of pregnant women. The tested cord blood samples too show the presence of triclosan threatening their entry to foetus too. A recent study by the Toxic Links (India) found the presence of this compound in personal care products. Ofthe eleven samples of liquid soaps, one sample was found to have Triclosan concentration of 3068 ppm (0.3068%), higher than the BIS standards. In case of tooth pastes, out of eleven samples, four samples contained high concentration of the chemical than as prescribed by BIS standards of 0.3 %. The unrestricted and rampant use of these chemicals give rise to microbial resistance too. The irresponsible way of promoting bacterial resistance with proliferation of more super bugs! The microbial resistance has been recognised as one of the biggest threat human kind is currently facing.        

            Realizing the growing evidence of endocrine disruptive properties and the environmental impact including contribution to antimicrobial resistance, many big companies have voluntarily started measures for phasing out use these chemicals. The products with label “do not contain triclosan” are available. Now it is the turn of companies in India to take steps not to use them in public interest. The Indian Drugs Control Authority must issue the users’ advice in the light of USFDA’s ruling. USFDA allowed the companies a year time to comply with its ruling of not permitting the use of the chemicals in soaps and washes. The use of these antibacterial agents would continue in hand sanitizers and antibacterial products for healthcare setting.

            In absence of immediate actions from the regulatory authorities or voluntary users’ guidance from the companies, one must avoid the use of antibacterial soaps and washes in one’s own and public interest. Washing with plain soap and running water remains one of the most important steps to avoid getting sick and to prevent spreading germs to others. Washing hands physically removes germs by friction. While regular washing with soap and running water is adequate for individual at home, hand washing with antibacterial agents may be essential in hospitals.