Antibacterial soap not more effective in hand washing, says study
Posted on: 19/Sep/2015 8:43:22 AM
A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy has claimed that antibacterial soaps are not more effective than plain soap in fighting bacteria and germs in your hands. The study was conducted by scientists at the College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology at the Korea University, South Korea.
Researchers studied the role of triclosan which is in antibacterial and antiseptic soaps. They used two ways to determine its effects. In the first experiment, they compared the effects of triclosan against 20 strains of bacteria. In the second experiment, 16 healthy adults volunteered wash their hands with antibacterial and non antibacterial i.e. regular soap and study the results.
The bacteria were exposed to 22 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. This is considered room temperature. They were also exposed to a warm temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. The triclosan had a concentration of 0.3%. Results of both experiments showed no significant differences between the two kinds of soap.
Says one researcher, Advertisement and consumer belief regarding the effectiveness of antibacterial soaps need to be addressed.
