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Am I over-reacting to this?

I'm pretty sure Microban(R) contains Triclosan, which is an antibacterial, but not an antibiotic (i.e. it works by a different mechanism to antibiotics). There is no good evidence of significant bacterial resistance associated with the use of triclosan.
 
Which doesn't adress the trend towards anti-"germ" warfare going on. Antibacterial soaps, towlettes, sprays, etc.
Most authorities think all this obsessing about germs is silly, and possibly harmful. It's the routine exposure to these little critters that keeps our body's defenses up to snuff.
 
If I recall correctly, the scientific jury is still out on triclosan resistance and it's implications. Resistance to biocides such as triclosan have been documented but are rare. Triclosan can be pumped out of the bacterial cell by certain multidrug resistance proteins (outer membrane efflux proteins), so there is some cause for concern that multidrug resistance and resistance to biocides may be linked.

My feeling is that putting triclosan in everything from chopping boards to hand soap is totally unnecessary and probably encourages poor washing techniques: "Why scrub my hands thoroughly? Those chemicals will do the work for me."
 
Bikewer said:
Which doesn't adress the trend towards anti-"germ" warfare going on. Antibacterial soaps, towlettes, sprays, etc.
Most authorities think all this obsessing about germs is silly, and possibly harmful. It's the routine exposure to these little critters that keeps our body's defenses up to snuff.
Click to expand...
I don't really know what the experts think, but a long time ago I formed the opinion that I now frequently voice when I do something that those around me this is not anti-germy enough as:

"Back off. This is like my booster shot."

I know it's not technically accurate and that vaccines don't have live stuff in 'em, but I think it gets the gist across.

A friend of mine had a father who said that every one needs to eat at least a pound of dirt in his life or he'll be sick all the time. Same thoughts behind it, I think.
 
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