Today, the FDA's Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee takes a look at the impact of antibacterial soaps, and it's about time considering all the harm these products can do to your health.

Interestingly, briefs posted before today's hearing pointed out the FDA has found no medical studies that link specific antibacterial products to reduced infection rates, leading critics to recommend they be banned, except for use in hospitals and with high-risk patients.

A growing number of critics, including me, believe antibacterial soaps are no better than regular soaps in reducing infections. Regular household soaps separate bacteria from the skin so germs go down the drain or get attached to towels when drying your hands. On the other hand, antibacterial soaps kill germs on the spot. At least, most of them...

The few that survive, with the help of antibacterial compounds -- synthetic chemicals like triclosan -- create germs resistant to soaps and antibiotics over the long haul.

Included among those critics: The mainstay of conventional medicine, the American Medical Association.

Yahoo News October 18, 2005

USA Today October 20, 2005