Gretchen Schaefer
202.833.7311
Differences between Antimicrobial Soaps and Antimicrobials
While both antimicrobial soaps (including hand sanitizers or antiseptics) and disinfectants (including sanitizers) protect public health by controlling the spread of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc.), there are significant differences. These two product categories have different uses and are regulated by different agencies of the U.S. government. Numerous studies have shown both categories of products to be effective, and there is no credible evidence that either contribute to resistant strains of bacteria under use conditions.
Antimicrobial soaps are used to kill bacteria and harmful microorganisms on skin and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (for additional information about this product category visit www.cleaning101.com/antibacterial .
Disinfectants are used to kill bacteria and harmful microorganisms on inanimate surfaces. Prior to any sale or use, disinfectants must be registered by the U.S. EPA. To gain a registration, disinfectants must pass a series of efficacy and toxicity tests to document effectiveness against specific pests as well as demonstrating environmental compatibility.
While there are legitimate concerns about microorganisms that have attained resistance to antibiotic medicines, there is no credible evidence that the use of antimicrobial products contributes to resistant bacteria. Recent scientific studies have failed to demonstrate a link between the use of antimicrobial products and resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial products have been used effectively for many years as part of overall hygiene programs.
