Germs live to see another day after the federal government banned more than a dozen chemicals used in antibacterial soap, according to an article from The Wall Street Journal. The FDA reportedly found that manufacturers had not made their case for the chemicals’ safety or ability to kill germs. FDA Drug Center Director Dr. Janet Woodcock is quoted as saying there is no scientific evidence that antibacterial soaps are any more effective than plain soap and water.
Nineteen chemicals were banned, according to the article, with the main focus on triclosan and triclocarban. Limited animal research reportedly suggests the two chemicals can interfere with hormone levels and encourage drug-resistant bacteria. The FDA delayed a decision on three chemicals – benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and chloroxylenol – to allow companies more time to provide data on the chemicals’ safety and effectiveness. The American Cleaning Institute, a cleaning chemical association, disputes the FDA’s findings, according to the article.
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