Toothpaste and hand wash could cause antibiotic resistance: Study

We’re constantly being told to protect ourselves against germs and infections by washing our hands and brushing our teeth, but new research has found this could actually be contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Triclosan, a common ingredient found in toothpaste, hand wash, and more than 2,000 other personal care products has been found to lead to antibiotic resistance, despite being an anti-fungal and antibacterial agent.

Previous studies have linked the overuse and misuse of antibiotics to superbugs, but this is one of the first studies to link other chemicals to antibiotic resistance. The study was conducted by Dr Jianhua Guo from the University of Queensland in Australia.

“Wastewater from residential areas has similar or even higher levels of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes compared to hospitals, where you would expect greater antibiotic concentrations,” Dr Guo said in a statement. “We then wondered whether non-antibiotic, antimicrobial (NAAM) chemicals such as Triclosan can directly induce antibiotic resistance.”

He noted that the chemicals are used in a much higher quantity at everyday level, meaning we end up with higher residual levels in the wider environment. According to Dr Guo, this can induce multi-drug resistance.

“This discovery provides strong evidence that the Triclosan found in personal care products that we use daily is accelerating the spread of antibiotic resistance.”

Dr Guo’s concerns were also echoed by Advanced Water Management Centre Director Professor Zhiguo Yuan, who said the new discovery should be a wake-up call to re-evaluate the potential impact these chemicals have when it comes to antibiotic resistance. The US Food and Drug Administration has already banned the use of Triclosan in some products.

“While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of Triclosan in antibacterial soap, the previous lack of unequivocal evidence prevented such a policy being adopted in other countries,” Professor Yuan said in a statement.

According to the research, published in the Environmental International Journal, around 700,000 people die globally each year because of antimicrobial-resistant infections. It is predicted the number could climb as high as 10 million by 2050 if action isn’t taken now.

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AMA President Tony Bartone previously told Starts at 60 when it comes to minimising the spread of influenza, prevention and preventative barrier techniques such as washing hands or wearing a face mask were “extremely effective” and should be practiced by all, especially at the height of epidemics and in very populated areas. He also said vaccinations are equally as important in stopping the spread of deadly viruses.

What do you think? Do you think washing your hands too much could actually cause superbugs and germs to build up a resistance? How often do you wash your hands?