The health risks of antibacterial soap

Antibacterial soaps could hold health concerns for adults and especially for kids, reports Time.

"Somehow, through marketing or misinformation, we've been led to believe that if we get rid of bacteria, we'll improve our lives and our health," Martin Blaser, MD, director of the Human Microbiome Program at New York University told Time. "In fact the opposite is probably true."

Antibacterial products eliminate the bacteria that are beneficial to our bodies, and Dr. Blaser's research focuses on antibacterial cleaning products as well as soaps that hinder immunity and metabolism, especially in kids.

Triclosan, which is found in antibacterial hand soaps, may also encourage the spread and severity of certain bacteria, according to the report.

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