The overwhelming hold the antiseptic preparation Dettol (Parachlorometaxylenol or PCMX 5%) has over the consumers in India seems to be unabated probably due to its proven effectiveness as a bactericide, out performing all other brands available in the market. In contrast Dettol is not found in many developed countries for reasons not very clear. However Triclosan is the predominant antiseptic in use and hundreds of consumer products like soaps, deodorants, shaving creams, mouth wash preparations, tooth paste etc contain this antiseptic chemical for achieving protection against bacterial infection. Triclosan which is chemically Polychlorophenoxyphenol, inhibits fatty acid synthesis in bacteria preventing uncontrolled proliferation of the contaminant. The recent statement by USFDA that Triclosan soaps do not have any advantage over normal soaps has thrown a spanner in the promotion of this product at least in the US.
"The Soap and Detergent Association today expressed concern over statements made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the effectiveness of a key ingredient used in beneficial antibacterial soaps and body washes. SDA said it will continue providing an informed perspective to the FDA on the ingredient triclosan. "The Food and Drug Administration has in its hands a wealth of scientific data showing a distinct germ killing benefit of antibacterial soaps containing triclosan." Two recent scientific papers have been published demonstrating the effectiveness of antibacterial soaps in comparison to non-antibacterial soaps.(I) A substantial body of data demonstrates that over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial hand wash products are more effective at reducing the risk of bacterial infection compared to washing with non-antibacterial soap.(II) Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 76 million cases of food-borne illnesses occur each year in the U.S. The acquisition and transmission of bacteria during food preparation play a significant role in causing these infections, and published studies have linked outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease to poor hand washing practices.(III)(IV) Most importantly, these ingredients are used in products that play a beneficial role in the daily hygiene routines of millions of people. Antibacterial hygiene and cleaning products continue to be used safely and effectively in homes, hospitals, and workplaces every single day. Science-based risk analysis backs this up, thanks to the industry's long-standing research and product stewardship efforts. Antibacterial ingredients like triclosan are regulated by governmental bodies around the world and have a long track record of human and environmental safety, many of whom have specifically found these ingredients to be safe for use in hygiene and cleaning products. In the U.S., these ingredients are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration or the Environmental Protection Agency, depending upon the type of product that contains them".
It is but natural that the manufacturers resist any attempt that can affect their business and same has been orchestrated well by them through some scientific documentation. It is well known that most soap preparations, be it fatty acid based or synthetic detergent based have the property to destroy bacteria through surface tension phenomenon and therefore it is incumbent upon the Triclosan industry to prove that their products are better than plain soap. Last word on antibacterial soaps has not yet been heard.
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