14 DAY TRIAL // How many times have you been tempted to buy anti-bacterial products, thinking that in this way you will better protected against microscopic enemies? I'd say that many times, and just like yours truly, I presume that you even agreed to pay more money in order to ensure that the bacteria keep a safe distance.
But I have good news for you, since a panel of federal health advisers from the US said that the anti-bacterial soaps and washes are not any better against bacteria than the regular ones.
They warned manufacturers they will have to prove their products' benefits or they may be restricted from marketing them.
In addition, the advisors have also shown their concern regarding the potential health risks involved by common soaps and body washes that use synthetic chemicals. Allegedly they contribute to the creation of an environmental hazard leading to the growth of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
Stuart Levy, president of the Alliance for Prudent Use of Antibiotics, said laboratory studies have suggested the soaps sometimes leave behind bacteria that have a better ability to flush threatening substances from their system.
"Bacteria are not going to be destroyed. They've seen dinosaurs come and go. They will be happy to see us come and go. Any attempt to sterilize our home is fraught with failure", he said.