An FDA panel is examining possible health concerns associated with antibacterial soaps, wipes and other household products. The market is booming for these germ-killers, but home use might be creating strains resistant to both antibacterials and antibiotics. This is of particular concern to families with children, as it presents the double-edged sword of exposing children to surviving super-germs, or, on the other hand, overprotecting them in a squeaky-clean environment that prevents them from building immunity, which can lead to asthma or allergies later in life.
More information on triclosan, the active ingredient in antibacterials, can be found at EWG's "Skin Deep" site, a consumer guide ranking safety concerns for 14,000 health and beauty products. The AP article is here.
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