ANTIBACTERIALS & YOUR HEALTH

According to Wikipedia "An Antimicrobial is a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoans. Antimicrobial drugs either kill microbes (microbicidal) or prevent the growth of microbes (microbistatic)."

Did you know? Consumers in the US & Canada spend nearly $1 billion each year on “Antibacterial” soaps and products - it's a huge and profitable market to say the least! People seem to be under the "Marketed/Advertised" impression that these products will "protect" their families from harmful "germs and illnesses". But in fact, these products contain chemicals that can not only harm our health but also the environment - not to mention that scientific studies have clearly and repeatedly shown that these products are no more effective than washing regularly with ordinary soap and water! CBC News stated: "A recent study of over 200 households found that people using antibacterial products didn't reduce their risk for contracting viral infections.

Did you know that up to 75% of liquid soaps, bar soaps, toothpaste, cosmetics, cleansing lotions, acne creams, and wipes contain Triclosan, not to mention it can also be found in items such as detergents, deodorants, antiperspirants, plastic food containers, mattresses, sponges, and the kicker - it can also be found in clothing and in children’s toys & nursery items! Consumers can check product ingredient lists for Triclosan, Triclocarban and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds. However, products with these chemicals AREN'T always required to list ingredients, and Triclosan can sometimes be referred to by a brand name, such as, "Microban".(http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/webextras/triclosan/what_is_triclosan.html?triclosan )

Triclosan or Triclocarban Chemicals have been creatively and succefully marketed to the public as an effective way to reduce the number of "bad bacteria" or "germs and viruses" that we are exposed to on a daily basis. There are many tactics that Marketers and Advertisers use to not only gain long-term "product loyalty" but to psychologically pull you in with an "emotional connection" in this case they are relying on "fear" as a motivating factor to get consumers to purchase these types of products. Sadly, I myself majored in Marketing/Advertising and as such I am fully aware of how these "tactics" work on the general consumer/public - we are taught to "sell" and taught the importance of "profit margins" - how they can be driven upwards by tactfully using various forms of "Marketing and Advertising strategies". However, in my minds eye - "profit should NEVER be put above health and safety" and sadly that seems to be the state of affairs in today's market place. Lack of testing, lack of quality and health control seem to run rampant. Even when the scientific studies and data are there - many companies and regulatory bodies seem to ignore the facts. There is a serious lack of laws and regulations to protect the publics health and safety! Why is it that the EU (European Union) has banned many chemicals, gmo's, pesticides, etc. yet here in the western half of the world such laws and regulations don't apply? The scientific evidence, the solid and factual studies are clearly there - so why are we still being used as guinea pigs? Is it really any wonder that diseases and environmentally caused illnesses are on the rise? When you look at the overwhelming evidence and facts it's really no wonder!

According to Parker Waichman - Injury Attorney's website: "Triclosan has already been banned or restricted in other countries, including the European Union. In the U.S., however, regulatory agencies have failed to act on this serious public health threat. In 2005, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that antimicrobial soaps and sanitizers DO NOT reduce the risk of illness and infection in the home, yet products made with triclosan remain on the market."

Why has it only been in the last few years that Triclosan and Triclocarban have come under public light in the media? With a constant flow of facts and studies that Triclosan interferes with normal development and function in humans and animals - why are these chemicals still on our store shelves? Unbelievably and ununderstandibly the The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given these chemicals their two thumbs up for over 30 years! It is not only the US but Canada as well that continues to "allow" such chemicals and substances to be allowed into our market place - WHY?

Another good question is "why has our society become so germaphobic"? Why is it that people want to keep germs and viruses out of their lives so badly? Fear? What are people affraid of? Marketers and Advertisers have clearly done a great job! They have been successfully reaping the monetary profits for their so called "strategical achievements". The clear fact remains that most Doctors and Scientists agree that "germs and certain viruses" in fact help build a natural resistance to disease and leads to a healthier and stronger immune system in our bodies in the long-run.

Trying to create a sterile environment creates more problems to our health than the "germs and viruses" we are trying so desperately to eliminate. Not to mention the numerous "cleaning chemicals" people use in their homes trying to win this invisible battle pollutes the indoor air quality and contaminates our environment. It creates a myriad of other health issues including Asthma, Cancer, Hormone Disruption - the list goes on and on - Why? In an effort to keep "germs" at bay? It doesn't really make sense now does it - when you consider the flip side and health/environmental side effects of what you are actually doing.

The following is from http://www.nrdc.org/

"When tested in laboratory animals, Triclosan is known to interfere with "thyroid hormone" - a hormone critical for normal growth and brain development. Both Triclosan and Triclocarban also interfere with male and female sex hormones, which are necessary for normal growth and function of the reproductive system. One study in male rats reported that Triclosan decreased sperm count, damaged the male reproductive system, and disrupted male hormone production. Since humans have similar hormone systems as animals, these chemicals also may produce adverse effects in people."

"Triclosan is found in an alarmingly high percentage of Americans’ bodies. Approximately three-quarters of Americans ages 6 to over 65 have Triclosan in their urine. Triclosan has also been detected in human blood and breast milk. Preliminary studies found human blood levels of Triclocarban spike after using bar soaps containing the chemical."

As for environmental repercussions "Triclosan is one of the most frequently detected chemicals in streams across the U.S. It has even been found in the bodies of wild bottlenose dolphins Both Triclosan and Triclocarban are found at high concentrations in treated sewage sludge (also known as biosolids) that is often applied to agricultural fields as fertilizer. Because Triclosan has been shown to accumulate in earthworms living in these biosolid-treated fields, there are concerns about these chemicals also moving into plants and wildlife." as well "Triclosan can be transformed into highly toxic dioxin compounds under naturally occurring conditions in freshwater streams and rivers. Some dioxins are known human carcinogens and considered to be among the most toxic chemicals on earth."

*Personally the best thing we can do for ourselves and families is to turn the television off and take Advertising/Marketing for what it is. Take a good hard look at studies, standards, and information that can so easily be found on the internet these days. From solid articles, news reels, statistics, studies, as well as standards set by the European Union. Instead of sitting infront of the television being bombarded by profit driven companies, spend your time educating yourself and learning about the things we use, eat, drink, and wear everyday! There are so many resources out there, so much information. Take a look at some of my "favorite sites" to get you started. The best advice I can give is "question things", "research and educate yourself", clearly in today's world with the lack of laws and regulations we have to take ownership of our own health and not rely on others to keep us safe from harm!

RELATED ARTICLES OF INTEREST:

C&EN Chemical and Engineering News: http://pubs.acs.org/cen/news/88/i16/8816news1.html

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP: Triclosan Injury Lawyer: http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/triclosan

EWG (Environmental Working Group) "EWS's Guide to Triclosan": http://www.ewg.org/triclosanguide

David Suzuki Foundation: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/publications/finding-solutions/e-version/2009/get-off-the-antibacterial-crazy-train/ and http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/

Treehugger: "Canadian Medical Association Calls for Ban on Triclosan" http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/cma-calls-for-triclosan-ban.php

Toxic Nation: "How you are exposed to toxic chemicals?" http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/toxicnation/pollutionInYou/HowYouExposed.htm