Kim's Soap BoxSource: Thanks to Mary Jane Butter, organic lifestyle expert and syndicated columnist, for her 2008 article on this topic. PESTICIDE IN ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS How many people use anti-bacterial soap or wipes to keep themselves free from contagious illness? Recently there has been a lot of talk about how these antibacterial soaps and cleaners may do more harm than good because they might facilitate the development of super-resistant germs. The simple fact is that bacteria will adapt itself to the chemicals and becomes more potent or a super-germ. Personally, this sends shivers down my spin. How do these bacterial killing agents affect us and what are the risks to our health? How many people use these antibacterial soaps and cleaners thinking that they are helping their children, themselves and loved ones fight off colds, flues and the onslaught of sniffles? Here are the facts: The main ingredient in most antibacterial soaps is a pesticide called Triclosan ( also known as Irganan and Microban). Triclosan was introduced in 1972, being used only in health-care settings, such as surgical scrubs. Now you can find triclosan everywhere, another shiver down my spin. Recently published in alternative medicine magazine The Townsend Letter, May 2006, stated that the pesticide triclosan is regularly added to "detergents, dishwashing liquids, kitchen sponges, soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, antimicrobial creams, acne medication, skin cleansers, toothpaste, mouthwashes, various plastics including children's toys, paint, wallpaper, flooring, textiles, curtains, public railings, keyboards, countertops, faucets, trash bags, even dog bowls." and now it is being added to clothing and linens as well. My question is WHY? Contact with triclosan has a range of risks, from skin irritation to internal problems. The most frustrating part of this is that studies have shown that washing hands with soap that contains the pesticide triclosan is no more effective in preventing or reducing risk of runny noses, coughs and other symptoms of illness. So we're not getting any cleaner or healthier and we are exposing ourselves to dangerous pesticide. When using harsh soaps they can deplete the skin of natural fats, weakening it and actually allowing toxins and bacteria to invade. As a soap maker, a human being and mother, I feel that this information must be passed on, so that consumers can make an educated choice and know that there are alternative products out there. I love using my all natural products because they enrich skin, sooth and you can read and understand the ingredients. MIDNIGHT OIL offers an ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP "Goldenseal & Rosemary" that naturally fights off viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause contagious illness. This soap is located under Moon Soaps. Another wonderful choice is "ACNE AWAY" soap that is tried and true and getting wonderful results. My goal is to provide an all natural alternative to what you can find on the market today. I use all natural ingredients that contain no petroleum products, parabens, or any harmful ingredients. When shopping for an all-natural soap, keep in mind that "natural" label, on its own, carries little clout. There just isn't sufficient regulation by the Food and Drug Administration to back it up, so companies can use it at will to make their products seem more wholesome than they really are. It's worth your time to read labels and know what sorts of additives to avoid. Here is a list of ingredients to avoid.
Alcohol or isopropyl (SD-40) Instead, opt for ingredients that you can read and understand and sound good enough to eat. |
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