Explain the difference between plain soap and antibacterial soap.

Antibacterial products are widely available. There are antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, shampoos, and laundry detergent. Antibacterial substances have even been mixed with plastic to produce antibacterial toilet seats and children's toys. They have also been woven into socks and underwear.

Some 75% of the liquid soaps and 30% of the bar soaps that are currently marketed in the U.S. contain antibacterial substances. The most common of these substances is triclosan.

Two recent studies examined antibacterial products and their effects on individual's health. One study, from the Columbia Univeristy School of Medicine, compared groups of families, each of which had at least one preschool child. One group used nothing but antibacterial soaps and cleaning products, while the other group used products that were free of antibacterial substances. Neither group knew which products they were using. After nearly a year of study, the researchers concluded that there were no significant differences in the reported symptoms of disease between the two groups. A second study, from Columbia's School of Nursing, looked specifically at handwashing. One group washed their hands with antibacterial soaps while the other used plain soap. After washing, the participants' hands were cultured for the presence of bacteria. The researchers found no differences between the groups. The conclusions were that antibacterial products, including soaps, are not necessary for the adequate removal of bacteria.

The possible dangers of overusing antibacterial substances is that they can kill off weaker, more susceptible bacteria, leaving tougher, more resistant bacteria in their place. The best places to use antibacterial substances are in an operating room, in a newborn nursery, and in hospital laboratories. In the home and foodservice environments, antibacterial soaps are not necessary.

SOURCE: Adapted from an article prepared by Alan Eshleman, M.D., last updated August 2004. The original article is located at:

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