Our department has dealt with many questions and problems associated with the use of antibacterial soaps and cleaners. I looked into this subject to find ways we can live healthy and reduce toxicity. It’s estimated that more than 700 antimicrobial-infused products are on the market, including 76 percent of all liquid soaps.

Antimicrobial is a term for products that kill or inhibit bacteria, viruses, or molds. An antibacterial product is only effective against bacteria. Disinfectants are products that kill micro-organisms. Antiseptics are products for use on the skin or cuts. Many soaps that boast germ-killing powers contain triclosan, an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria but has little or no effect on viruses. This is important because most common illnesses like colds and flu are caused by viruses, so antibacterial ingredients will not prevent them from spreading. If a product doesn’t kill all the germs, the weak ones die first, leaving the hardier ones to live on.

Some nasty diseases are caused by bacteria and viruses, but most of the microbes around us are harmless and some are beneficial, like microbes found in the soil that release nutrients for plants. If you live in a rural area, your home operates a septic system that needs bacteria to safely dissolve human waste products. Without the useful bacteria in our digestive tract, we wouldn’t have vitamin K, needed for our body to clot and stop bleeding. Without bacteria, we wouldn’t have wine, yogurt, blue cheese, soy sauce, or sourdough bread. There is evidence to support the theory that some exposure to bacteria in the environment is beneficial because it helps the immune system develop. The overuse or sometimes simply the use of antibacterial products means we are changing the positive role needed to make these systems work.

Where do the bad bugs most likely live? In the kitchen! Kitchens often harbor more nasty germs than bathrooms. If you cut meat, poultry, or fish, you must address the issue of contamination of the cutting board. Wash thoroughly after each use. You could also use two cutting boards, one for meats and one for vegetables. Never use the meat cutting board for foods that will be eaten raw. This goes for the knife also. A wooden cutting board can be cleaned by microwaving but cannot be disinfected with bleach because bleach reacts with the wood and loses its potency. Rule of thumb: wood for vegetables, non-wood cutting boards for meat and the kitchen sponge or wash rag used to “mop up” never touches the board used for raw meat.

A kitchen sponge or dishrag are among the most bacteria-laden places in your entire house. Replace sponges often, wring them out after each use and avoid the possibility of cross-contamination. Chlorine bleach is a good cleaner for some situations, but remember it requires about 30 minutes of contact time to kill bacteria and is not effective if the surface is dirty. It must be cleaned first, then disinfected. This is a good rule to remember if you are using bleach to remove mold from walls or cement floors. Ventilate to protect yourself from breathing too much chlorine. You may win the battle of cleanliness and loose the war on healthy living. The Albert Lea Tribune had an excellent article in the New Years Day addition about ventilation in the kitchen.

Some common household substances like vinegar and borax are sometimes suggested as an alternative or non-toxic disinfectant. These products may work to clean hard-to-get stains or spots, but don’t depend on them to disinfect.

Also, several plant oils such as tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract are often suggested as a disinfectant. Do not assume that these products can disinfect your countertops or other surfaces unless the label on the container verifies this fact. A product called H2Orange2 is a low-toxicity product that may be a safe alternative to harsher chemicals provided the hydrogen peroxide level is under 3%.

While the information here is not the only answer or alternative, the intent is to help make environmentally friendly choices for home and personal use.

Randy Tuchtenhagen is the Freeborn County solid waste officer.