"Combating Bacteria Good for Basic Health" in March 2's Daily Collegian was helpful but missed a key point. Not only are antibacterial soaps ineffective, they actually can cause more harm than good (according to Dr. Stuart Levy of Tufts University). Elaine Larson, quoted in the article, conducted a hand- washing study and found them to be no more effective than regular soap. They work only after minutes, not seconds, of contact, which is why the incubated petri dish experiment was successful. But, in addition to being ineffective, they pose the same threat of resistance that health professionals face with antibiotics.

In the laboratory, bacteria has been shown to develop resistance to these products and their residues. And, like antibiotics, they are broad-spectrum, which means they also harm good bacteria that make up the body's immune system. The best advice that I've gathered from health experts is as follows: Avoid products that contain triclosan and triclocarbon. Remember that colds and flu are caused by viruses, which are unaffected by these agents. Wash frequently and vigorously with regular soap and water. For young children, the elderly or weaker immune systems, use alcohol-based disinfectants as in hospitals (and Ritenour). For cleaning, use chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol.

Most importantly, don't let the soap industry feed you the fear of germs, just so they can feed their wallets.