Many of us are understandably worried about spreading germs. To avoid spreading germs, it's important to wash your hands, but if you think using antibacterial soaps or products will be safer and more effective, think again.

"Washing your hands is the single most important factor in preventing the spread of infection," advises Daniel Shin, M.D., an infectious disease expert at PAMF's Mountain View Center. "Regular hand washing for 30 seconds is safer and more effective than using antimicrobial soaps."

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel and the American Medical Association report that soaps and lotions with antibacterial agents have "no added benefit" over ordinary soap and water. The predominant active ingredient in antibacterial soap is a chemical called Triclosan, a strong antibacterial and antifungal agent. It is found in some soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other personal hygiene products.

The problem is that when we use Triclosan too frequently, bacteria can become used to it. The bacteria no longer die when exposed to Triclosan, and the antibiotic stops working. Doctors refer to this as bacteria becoming drug resistant. This is especially true of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a type of bacteria that is resistant to several frequently prescribed antibiotics including penicillin and amoxicillin. This infection is occurring more frequently in hospitals and the community.

"Concern is growing about MRSA infections because they are contagious, increasing in frequency and becoming resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. When these antibiotics are ineffective, doctors' choices for treating bacterial infections are compromised," Dr. Shin says.

Another consequence of Triclosan is water pollution. Triclosan is biodegradable but, when it breaks down, its produces dioxins, which are very potent cancer-causing chemicals.

Triclosan will likely be phased out in the United States sometime in the next two years. In the meantime, skip the antibacterial soap, but make hand washing with old fashioned soap and water part of regular routine every day. It will be healthier for you and the environment.