With MRSA and other illnesses on the rise, there’s another reason to stop or reduce the use of antibacterial soaps, lotions and other products. At UC Davis, a recent study showed an alarming discovery in rats – a common antibacterial chemical added to bath soaps can alter hormonal activity in rats and in human cells in the laboratory and it does so through a previously unrecognized way.
This study is among many finding that synthetic chemicals found in household products can cause health issues by obstructing normal hormone action. In recent animal studies, the abnormalities have included cancer, reproductive failure and developmental anomalies because of the endocrine receptors.
This is the first endocrine study to investigate the hormone effects of the antibacterial compound triclocarban (also known as TCC or 3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide). Most commonly used in bar soap, detergents, lotions, soft body washes and wipes among other things. This is not a new chemical; tricolocarban has been used for over 45 years in the U.S. and in Europe. About 1 million pounds is imported into the U.S. each year.
Rats were tested with the compound with surprised results. It found that organs that were dependent on testosterone (like the prostate) grew to abnormal sizes. Basically antibacterial soaps and other products could be causing more health issues than they help. Although the findings of the study are new and still need to be studied furthers, researchers are quick to remind us that long before there was antibacterial soap we were taught the best way to prevent disease and illness was good, old fashioned warming with normal soap and water.
