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The student government at the University of Texas recently placed a resolution calling for a ban on the use of anti-bacterial soaps on campus. They realized something that many people don’t get. Not only is anti-bacterial soap ineffective, it can be dangerous. But don’t take my word for it (or the student government at Texas, for that matter). Look at these facts:

1. The FDA has discovered that anti-bacterial soaps provide no benefit over washing with regular soap and water.

2. The FDA is also currently researching the effect that triclosan (the main ingredient in anti-bacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, deodorants and other products) has on our bodies. Triclosan is an endocrine disruptor and can remain in body tissue for an extremely long time. This can allow it to build up in your body after prolonged use and cause extensive damage.

3. Anti-bacterial soaps also lead to the growth of resistant bacteria that become harder and harder to kill.

4. Wastewater treatment plants can not remove triclosan from the water. This dangerous chemical moves into rivers and streams where is kills algae and destroys ecosystems.

5. Scientists at the University of Minnesota have found that when exposed to sunlight, triclosan degrades to form dioxins – one of the most toxic chemicals known to science.

If you are concerned about dangerous chemicals in the products you use, stay away from anti-bacterial products. The all natural alternatives are much better.