Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitizers and Cleaners Fueling Resistant SuperbugsAnthony Gucciardi Rampant use of antibiotics for unnecessary conditions and pumping livestock up with an exorbitant amount (around 80% of the entire United States antibiotic supply) of drugs is a leading factor, but research shows that anti-bacterial hand sanitizers and cleaners are also contributing to the problem. Anti-bacterial products have become commonplace in many households and classrooms across the nation, though they are especially prevalent in India where scientists say the overall use of antibiotics in drug and cleaning form alike are way overused. In addition to containing the problematic ingredienttriclosan, these anti-bacterial hand washes and disinfectants are also contributing to the rapid growth of antibiotic-resistant superbugs that pose a serious risk to human health. At least when trying to treat them with the same pharmaceutical interventions that spawned them in the first place. In fact, it should be noted that both antibiotic drugs and sanitizers also kill beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. Probiotics are integral to a properly functioning immune system and overall health. In a study conducted byConsumer Education Research Society (CERS) andCHOICE, published in the consumer magazineInsight, the scientists found that soap and water is actually as good or better in fighting off unwanted germs and bacteria without fueling the superbug epidemic. They also found the ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemical triclosan to interfere with both thyroid and sex hormone function. Explore More: This article first appeared at Natural Society, an excellent resource for health news and vaccine information. 