Antibacterials Bed Bugs Air Fresheners Laundry Detergents
Antibacterials Even though antimicrobial and antibacterial are often used interchangeably, there are many antimicrobial substances on the market designed to work specifically against bacteria. These are known as antibacterials.
Triclosan - One antibacterial most debated is triclosan. Triclosan is a broad spectrum pesticide found is a wide range of consumer products, including soaps and toys. Despite its wide-spread use, its health and environmental impacts are only now being studied. Triclosan is the focus of a campaign undertaken by a coalition of health and environmental groups led by Beyond Pesticides, aimed at removing triclosan from the market.
Nanosilver - Another antibacterial agent under scrutiny is silver nanoparticles or nanosilver. Silver nanoparticles are also found in a wide range of consumer products like clothing, band-aids, and even washing machines. A recent petition submitted by environmental groups call for urgent review of this new technology.
With an increasing number of scientific studies looking at these antibacterial substances, two basic, yet important, questions arise: Are they safe for human health and the environment? And are they necessary?