The widespread use of triclosan -- an antimicrobial agent used in some brands of toothpaste, soap and cosmetics, and also in carpets, plastic kitchenware and toys -- may become a problem as bacterial resistance to available antibiotics grows. Researchers report that triclosan is a strong inhibitor of an enzyme present in many microorganisms. This enzyme is also "potentially important" as a target for new antibiotics, raising concerns that the use of triclosan may make these drugs ineffective.

Indiscriminate, widespread use of antibiotics is discouraged by the medical community because it is known to promote the growth of bacterial strains resistant to antibiotic treatment. Until recently, triclosan was believed to be immune from such concerns. But the new study findings show that even at low concentrations, triclosan has strong antibacterial effects.

Nature April 1, 1999;398:383-384.

COMMENT: No, this is not an April Fools joke. It is usually wise to avoid contact with chemicals. The added chemicals in the soap are unnecessary to keep us clean and if we use them they are usually associated with complication.

This study documents only one of the potential problems, resistance to antibiotics. When one is using soap, it is wise to use a simple, NON-antibacterial product. The chemical used to kill the bacteria is absolutely unnecessary as the soap alone is more than sufficient to eradicate the bug. For more on an advanced hygiene system, you can go to my web site at and in the more articles section you will find an interesting article on the topic.