X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping

FDA stops antibacterial sale because of potential health hazards

14 Sep, 2016
FDA stops antibacterial sale because of potential health hazardsFDA stops antibacterial sale because of potential health hazards

As for hand sanitizers containing the same chemicals as antibacterial soaps, the FDA hasn’t banned them yet. But they may soon be.

At one point or another, we’ve all had antibacterial soaps in our households. In fact some of us may even be using them still.

But did you know that they may soon disappear from supermarkets’ shelves? In fact, it’s already happening in certain parts of the world, particularly the United States.

This after the FDA finally put their foot down and ruled against the sale and marketing of such products.

As it turns out, the long-held belief that antiseptic soaps are much more effective than regular soaps in fighting the spread of disease-causing germs is not entirely factual.

Tests that experts conducted didn’t even find scientific explanation to prove its effectivity.

"Following simple handwashing practices is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness at home, at school and elsewhere," said FDA’s Theresa M. Michele of the Division of Nonprescription Drug Products.

Moreover, antibacterial soaps contain the chemicals triclosan and triclocarban;  in different studies, the FDA has not proven these chemicals safe for sustained use.

FDA hopes that this ban will reduce people’s exposure to these active ingredients by 2.2 million pounds per year.

The probe on these kids of products began in 2013, when the government agency began considering evidence that certain active antimicrobial agents, including triclosan and triclocarban, could be contributing to antimicrobial resistance and endocrine disruption.

Now FDA is also testing three other chemicals for their safety and effectiveness, particularly benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and chloroxylenol.

As for hand sanitizers containing the same chemicals as antibacterial soaps, the FDA hasn’t banned them yet.

That doesn’t mean, however, that they’re safer to use than antiseptic soaps.

The fact remains that regular soap and water are still the best way to make sure disease-causing germs are not transferred from one host to another.

What if you suddenly find yourself without soap and water, you ask?

According to the CDC, if soap and water aren't available, you should instead use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol in it.

Partner Stories
Evelyn Ng, P&G high ranking executive, shares her story as a career woman and a working mom
Evelyn Ng, P&G high ranking executive, shares her story as a career woman and a working mom
Creating an Absolute-ly Merry Christmas
Creating an Absolute-ly Merry Christmas
UV Care Launches the #ZeroWasteProject
UV Care Launches the #ZeroWasteProject
Level up your self-care with a homeland holiday getaway
Level up your self-care with a homeland holiday getaway

READ: 3-year-old becomes drunk after drinking hand sanitizer

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below or check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful parenting news and tips . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

James Martinez

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Lifestyle Section
  • /
  • FDA stops antibacterial sale because of potential health hazards
Share:
  • Britney Spears nakunan: "We lost our miracle baby"

    Britney Spears nakunan: "We lost our miracle baby"

  • 4 easy steps to migrate to Australia with your family

    4 easy steps to migrate to Australia with your family

  • Gabay kung paano madaling makapag-migrate sa Canada

    Gabay kung paano madaling makapag-migrate sa Canada

app info
get app banner
  • Britney Spears nakunan: "We lost our miracle baby"

    Britney Spears nakunan: "We lost our miracle baby"

  • 4 easy steps to migrate to Australia with your family

    4 easy steps to migrate to Australia with your family

  • Gabay kung paano madaling makapag-migrate sa Canada

    Gabay kung paano madaling makapag-migrate sa Canada

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2022. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at lifestyle update.