Most people would rather have a cold or flu than a nasty bacterial infection that’s incurable. Unfortunately, this is kind of the choice we’re forced to make these days, as more and more research shows our overuse of antibacterial agents — in consumer products, it’s most commonly the ingredient triclosan — contributes to the development of new “super bugs” that are resistant to antibiotics and antibacterials.
Triclosan is found in everything from Clearasil face wash and Colgate toothpaste to Playskool children’s toys. Do we really need that much sterility? It makes sense to keep everything germ-free in a hospital setting where patients have compromised immune systems, but in our daily lives, according to the CDC, antibacterial products can lead to drug resistance, lower immunity and allergies. A recent study by the CDC detected triclosan in the urine of 75 percent of the people they tested.
In April, the FDA issued a stating regarding triclosan’s health effects. In it, they note that triclosan alters hormone regulation in laboratory animals and may contribute antibiotic resistant bacteria. Although they state that the chemical does not currently present a health hazard, it does merit “further review” and they are currently reviewing the scientific evidence to determine its safety in consumer products. Some countries have already banned or limited the use of the chemical.
Perhaps most perplexing is why we use the chemical in the first place. Although it’s been found to be useful to prevent gingivitis, overall, the FDA statement concludes that it “does not have evidence that triclosan in antibacterial soaps and body washes provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.”
Until recently, unless you were familiar with I-10 in Louisiana, you probably weren’t familiar with Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, where a tiger named Tony has been condemned to life in a cage, inhaling diesel fumes amid bright lights and the noise of engines, 24 hours a day, with people crowding around to witness his sad existence.
Holding anti-bullying assemblies at middle and high schools is certainly a noble effort to try and turn the tide of harassment in the classroom. Whether that harassment is based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or more, schools should be looking at ways to make combating bullying a central part of the education experience.