Anti-bacterial Soaps

"Getting Rid of Germs Is Now More Fun Than Ever" announces the advertising tag for Dial's line of liquid "antibacterial" soaps that come in tempting "flavor" scents. Dial claims that use of these soaps reduces the incidence and transmission of infections. Are these antibacterials necessary to get rid of bacteria and viruses, or are we exposing ourselves and our kids to more chemicals than necessary?

Triclosan, the active germ-killing ingredient, has not been shown to cause chronic health effects when used on skin. If ingested, though, the soap may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Unfortunately, these pink, blue and green liquids come in "bubblegum" and "watermelon" scents that increase the risk of children swallowing them. And, as we reported in The Green Guide #31 on cosmetics, fragrances are frequently allergenic and irritating, and can aggravate asthma, chemical sensitivity and skin conditions in susceptible individuals.

Do we need antibacterials to get clean? Harvey Karp, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at UCLA School of Medicine, says, "Studies show that it is not the type of soap that you use, but the time [two minutes, ideally] and vigor you put into washing." He gives a "cooked rice" analogy: germs stick to your hands and each other like cooked rice; passing germs from one person to another is like shaking hands with rice stuck to them. Soap and water do not kill germs; rather, they lubricate, loosen and wash them away.

Frequent, thorough hand-washing is always advised by doctors for prevention of colds and other infections. Dr. Karp suggests using regular moisturizing soaps like Dove or Kiss My Face Olive Oil; brands like Ivory and Neutrogena can be too drying. Kathi Kemper, M.D., M.P.H., author of The Holistic Pediatrician (HarperPerennial, 1996, $18), recommends that your child wash his or her hands after each trip to the bathroom, before every meal, and before bed.