You don’t need antibacterial soap. The antimicrobial chemical triclosan, used in some toothpastes and antibacterial soaps, is believed to disrupt thyroid function and hormone levels in some people, and when it mixes into wastewater it can cause sex changes in aquatic life.
Health experts also believe that overuse of this, and other antibacterial chemicals, is promoting the growth of bacteria that are resistant to antibacterial treatment.
Instead of bringing tricoslan into your home, just use good old-fashioned soap and warm water, which will kill just as many germs, studies have shown.
If you must use a natural hand sanitiser, pick one that’s alcohol-based and doesn’t list triclosan, triclocarban (another related antibacterial chemical) or other chemicals described as “antimicrobial” or “antibacterial” on the label.
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