An extract from better health: read more http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcpdf.nsf/ByPDF/Antibacterial_cleaning_products/$File/Antibacterial_cleaning_products.pdf
Antibacterial cleaning products
The overuse of antibacterial cleaning products in the home may be producing strains of multiantibiotic-
resistant bacteria. Bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics are known as multiresistant
organisms (MROs).
Media advertisements press the point that bacteria in the home are harmful and must be
eliminated by using any number of the antibacterial or antimicrobial products available.
These cleaning products are no more effective at preventing infection in the home than good
personal and household hygiene using ordinary soap, warm water and plain detergent. Consumers
should avoid using these products unless they have a specific medical reason to do so.
Numerous household products contain antibacterial agents
Antibacterial and antimicrobial products are everywhere. They include:
• Soaps and detergents
• Hand lotions
• Disinfectants
• Window cleaners
• Cleaning cloths
• Surface sprays
• Mouthwashes
• Toothpastes
• Garbage bags and plastic wrap
• Textiles, carpet underlay and swimming pool liners.
Many of these products contain antibacterial agents such as triclosan. These ingredients are
valuable in hospitals and other healthcare settings but their effectiveness could be compromised by
unnecessary domestic use. Their widespread use in the home could make some bacteria resistant
to these antibacterial substances.
Environmental risks
Antibacterials such as triclosan can enter the environment and may accumulate in the food chain
over time. Because of this, the national regulatory authority has decided to reassess their potential
to constitute an environmental hazard. This review is currently still pending.
Cleaning products may contribute to antibiotic resistance
There is some evidence that the use of antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning products –
combined with the overprescription of antibiotics – may produce strains of bacteria that are
resistant to disinfectants and antibiotics. There are several issues involved:
• There may not be enough of the antibacterial or antimicrobial agent in these cleaning
products to destroy bacteria completely.
• When exposed to antibacterial or antimicrobial cleaning products, most bacteria will die but
some may survive and multiply. These strains can become resistant to antibiotics and
disinfectants.
• Resistant strains of bacteria can lead to increased infection risk in the community, and in
hospitals and other healthcare settings.
• Disinfectants are often not used correctly: for example, they are not mixed according to
the manufacturer’s instructions (more is not better).
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