Final answer:
Studies and FDA findings suggest that antibacterial soaps, like those containing triclosan, do not provide significant benefits over regular soap and may contribute to antibacterial resistance. Regular soap remains a healthy and environmentally friendly option for cleaning and personal hygiene.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medical studies have raised concerns about whether antibacterial soaps are significantly more effective than regular soaps. In 2013, the FDA challenged soap manufacturers to demonstrate the benefits of antibacterial products over traditional ones. Many antibacterial soaps contain triclosan, which targets a specific bacterial enzyme.
However, the FDA found that washing with triclosan-containing products had no conclusive additional health benefits and no evidence suggesting it reduces transmission of respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses. Furthermore, the overuse of triclosan may lead to an increase in triclosan-resistant bacteria, posing a threat to its long-term efficacy.
The question also touches upon the general misconception that antibacterial products are inherently healthier for cleaning and personal hygiene. However, the use of such products does not significantly reduce the spread of disease and can contribute to the development of antibacterial resistance.
This, along with environmental concerns, has led to a shift from using products containing triclosan and other such agents. Instead, regular soap, which is biodegradable and effective, especially without hard water, is considered a viable option for cleaning and maintaining personal hygiene.