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FDA bans antiseptic chemicals from soaps; no proof they work


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 Dawn Ultra antibacterial soap. Copyright Associated Press KIICHIRO SATO

http://www.turnto23.com/news/national/fda-bans-antiseptic-chemicals-from-soaps-no-proof-they-work

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So they're just marketing fluff?

They're not actively harmful, right?

"Friday's decision primarily targets two once-ubiquitous ingredients — triclosan and triclocarban — that some limited animal research suggests can interfere with hormone levels and spur drug-resistant bacteria.

The chemicals have long been under scrutiny, and a cleaning industry spokesman said most companies have already removed the now banned 19 chemicals from their soaps and washes."

Okay so whether they're actively harmful is a subject of debate. 

Which makes me wonder how they were approved for sale at all.

The American Cleaning Institute, a cleaning chemical association, disputed the FDA's findings, saying in a statement "the FDA already has in its hands data that shows the safety and effectiveness of antibacterial soaps."

The group's spokesman said companies are planning to submit data on three chemicals currently used by industry: benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and chloroxylenol. The FDA delayed making a decision on those chemicals for one year.

The FDA decision does not apply to hand sanitizers, most of which use alcohol rather than antibacterial chemicals.

Today I learned that most hand sanitizer are just rubbing alcohol with the price marked up.

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