Learn about antibacterial soap and detergent. Are they more...

Name: Problem 14, Chapter 5: Food, Nutrition and Wellness Student Edition
Uploaded: 2021-10-18T17:32:17-08:00
Duration: 1 min 14 s
Channel: Lottie Adams
Description: Learn about antibacterial soap and detergent. Are they more effective than plain soap? Are they better at removing bacteria from hands than other soaps? What are some possible disadvantages of these soaps? Present your findings to the class.

Learn about antibacterial soap and detergent. Are they more effective than plain soap? Are they better at removing bacteria from hands than other soaps? What are some possible disadvantages of these soaps? Present your findings to the class.

Key Concepts

Antibacterial Agents

Antibacterial agents are chemical substances incorporated into some soaps and detergents with the intent of killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. They often include compounds like triclosan that are designed to target specific bacterial mechanisms. Their effectiveness, however, depends on concentration and the spectrum of bacteria they target, and debates exist about whether they significantly outperform plain soap in everyday use.

Plain Soap and Mechanical Removal

Plain soap operates primarily by a mechanical process, where its surfactant properties help lift and trap bacteria and dirt from the skin during rinsing with water. This method physically removes microbes rather than chemically killing them, and studies have indicated that for routine handwashing, plain soap is often just as effective as antibacterial variants.

Detergents in Cleaning

Detergents are cleansing agents that, like soap, contain surfactants which help emulsify oils and lift away microbes and dirt from surfaces, including skin. While some detergents may include antimicrobial additives, their primary role is to facilitate the removal of contaminants through the cleaning process rather than exert a direct bactericidal effect.

Antimicrobial Resistance

A possible disadvantage of antibacterial soaps is the potential contribution to antimicrobial resistance. Overuse of antibacterial agents may encourage the development of bacteria that are less susceptible to these agents, thereby reducing their efficacy over time and posing broader public health risks.

Impact on the Skin Microbiome

Another concern with antibacterial products is their effect on the natural skin microbiome. By eliminating not only harmful bacteria but potentially beneficial microbes as well, these products may disrupt the ecological balance on the skin, which could affect skin health and immune function over the long term.

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