There's no better antibacterial soap: 200 scientists urge stricter US regulations. Considering buying antibacterial soap or laundry detergent? Hold on. More than 200 scientists and medical professionals worldwide co-authored an article published on the 20th in the peer-reviewed journal *Environmental Health Perspectives*, pointing out that common antibacterial products are not only ineffective but may also be harmful to health and the environment. The article also urges consumers to be especially careful when using everyday antibacterial chemicals. Last fall, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that 19 antibacterial chemicals, including the infamous triclosan and triclocarban, were ineffective and should not be available for purchase without a prescription. Now, these 200+ scientists say that the FDA's decision is insufficient to protect consumers and the environment. Antibacterial agents often appear in unexpected products, including paints, sports mats, flooring, clothing, food storage containers, home textiles, electronics, kitchenware, school supplies, and countertops. "People believe that antibacterial hand soap can prevent disease. But generally speaking, antibacterial soap doesn't perform any better than regular soap and water," points out Barbara Sattler, a professor of sanitation at the University of San Francisco. Consumer soaps and hand washes often use different additives. "I'm glad the FDA finally banned these additives in soap. But now the products sold at my local pharmacy contain worse additives than before," says Dr. Arlene Blum, executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute. "Consumers may think that antibacterial agents can reduce infection."
