Antimicrobials

Photo Credit: Matilda Wormwood from Pexels

DID YOU KNOW:

Common antimicrobials, including but not limited to quaternary ammonium compounds, Triclosan, and Triclocarban have been linked to a variety of health impacts: 1

 

  • respiratory system damage
  • skin irritation
  • allergy susceptibility
  • growth of drug-resistant bacteria or “superbugs
  • hormone disruption
  • destruction of fragile aquatic ecosystems
  • cancer
  • endocrine disruption

Since the onset of the pandemic, an increase in anti-microbial products and manufacturers are making claims to health benefits.  3

 

WHAT’S THE CONCERN:

 

  • Lack of Proven Positive Human Health Impact: There is little evidence that antimicrobials results in reduced infections and disease.3
  • Known Adverse Health Impacts: Antimicrobials are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of microbes. The features that make the effective also harm human health and the environment.3
  • Antimicrobial Resistance: Microbes are becoming resistant to commonly used antimicrobials, and that exposure to these commonly used antimicrobials can also produce resistance to the antibiotics we depend on to fight disease.3 4

SPECIFICATION SUGGESTIONS:

  1. Avoid anything labeled “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial”
  2. When approached by a manufacturer advertising microbials – ask for a Health Product Declaration (HPD) which lists chemical ingredients.  Weigh the ingredient with the hazard listed here – and ask yourself if it’s worth it.
  3. Share this data and links below with clients who may be pushing for antimicrobials.

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