Antibacterial SoapDial antibacterial soap advertises that it is "over 10 times more effective at killing disease-causing germs than regular liquid hand soaps"(1). To the average consumer, a soap with the ability to kill more germs appears to be more effective. But is a more powerful antibacterial soap always better? Various studies suggest that antibacterial soaps can be harmful and lead to problems such as superbugs, dry skin and hand eczema. According to current research, antibacterial soaps are no better than traditional soaps when it comes to home use. Antibacterial cleaners have quickly become a popular alternative to traditional cleaning products. These soaps, shampoos, dish soaps, and toothpastes are marketed as antibacterial products and have become popular household items. In fact, 75% of liquid soaps and 30% of bar soaps on the market are considered antibacterial (2). These antibacterial products are so popular because they are intended to reduce bacteria. They eliminate more germs than regular soap. This means they should decrease a person's chance of getting sick. As Janet Donohue of www.germsmart.com suggests "they kill germs, thus breaking the cycle of infection"(3). In addition to killing germs, some antibacterial products are easier to use than traditional soap and water. For example, there are many hand sanitizers that don't require water. A user simply applies soap to their hands and the dirt "disappears." These products seem magical, but as we know magic does not exist in science. To fully understand how antibacterial products work you need to learn how soap works. Soap is made up of an acid and a base(4). The acid known as triglycerides mixes with the water base sodium... middle of paper... than trying to eliminate bacteria we should work to limit our exposure to too many harmful bacteria with soaps, shampoos, etc. dish detergents and toothpaste. Internet Sources: 1) How Stuff Works site, this site provides answers to simple scientific questions. http://www.howstuffworks.com/question692.htm 2) Health at OZ website, http://www. healthatoz.com/atoz/healthupdate/alert09192000.html3) US Health and Human Services, this is a copy of the report provided on antibiotics http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/NEW00736.html4), Germ Smart Site, http://www.germsmart.com/5), Clinician's Guide, http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/F3d6a.htm6) Nurse Week Article, http://www.nurseweek .com/features /98-10/soap.html7) MSNBC Report, Business Journal, http://msnbc.msn.com/news/608082.asp?cp1=18) Dial Soap Site, http://www.diancheap .com/