As reported in Washington Post
yesterday, the FDA is constantly monitoring the potentially harmful chemicals
used by manufacturers in skin care products. Now it is going to ask for more details about
the chemicals in the hand sanitizer. It notes that "emerging science"
is suggesting that detection of
antiseptic ingredients in the blood or urine is higher than previously thought
in full body exposure.
Although these products were
designed to be used when old-fashioned soap and water aren't available,
many people use them multiple times a day even when a sink is nearby under
the belief that they are killing more bacteria.
The Food and Drug Administration
says the problem is that we still don't have enough information to know
whether these products present unknown safety and efficacy concerns, and it has
asked manufacturers to provide scientific data for three active
ingredients: alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol), isopropyl alcohol and
benzalkonium chloride. The FDA's request also applies to hand wipes.
The
agency's request is part of a massive inquiry of 22 chemicals that fight
bacteria and that has set the $30 billion industry against some scientist
groups that are concerned that the ingredients, which linger in the
environment and can be absorbed by the body, may not work as advertised
and may be contributing to antibiotic resistance.
In September, the FDA is expected to
announce a decision on antibacterial soaps and whether they are safe and
more effective than soap and water. The companies that make the products are
concerned that if the FDA decides against them, they will have to relabel
and reformulate the products.
As part of its business of
manufacturing safe natural organic skin care products, Herbally Radiant is
already marketing its organic hand wash that not only sanitizes hands, but also
keep them soft and moist after washing.
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