Antibacterial soaps based on triclosan would not be more effective in destroying germs than normal soapy water, according to a study conducted by the team of Dr. Min-Suk Rhee, of the University of Seoul (South Korea). These scientists tested the effectiveness of these soaps in two different ways. The first experiment consisted of washing strains of bacteria grown in Petri dishes with normal soap or with antibacterial soap. The second experiment tested the performance of these two types of washing on the hands of 16 volunteers, on which the researchers had previously deposited several species of bacteria. Result: In these two tests, triclosan solutions did not kill more bacteria than regular soaps.
The ineffectiveness of antibacterial soap could be due, according to the authors of the study, to two factors: firstly the too short time allocated to washing hands, but also the presence of detergents and surfactants in solutions which could reduce the action of bactericides.
Antibacterial solutions dangerous to health?
The main chemical agent used in antibacterial solutions is triclosan. The latter is the subject of many controversies regarding its potentially dangerous effects on health. Indeed, studies have already shown the existence of a link between triclosan and resistance to antibiotics and hormonal problems. It was as a result of these studies that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that research on the real effectiveness of antibacterial solutions be carried out. Triclosan is currently contained, apart from antibacterial solutions, in certain cosmetic products, shower gels, shampoos and toothpastes. Since April 2014, new European regulations limit the concentration of triclosan in cosmetics and hygiene products to 0.3%.
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