Some recent news about antibacterial hand gels and soaps has many a little freaked out.

There have been reports that recent research shows trace elements of antibacterial ingredients in pregnant women and their fetuses.

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI), howeer, says fear not! This schocking news is in fact distorting the safety profile of the materials, which have been extensively researched and reviewed for decades.

"The weight of evidence supports the conclusion that these ingredients are not causing adverse effects on the endocrine system. The continued 'suggestions' that the presence of these substances are leading to health risks are not borne out by the data and years of safe use by consumers."

In comments submitted earlier this year to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the safety of triclosan, ACI wrote:

"Triclosan-containing consumer antiseptic wash products play a beneficial role in the daily hygiene routines of millions of people throughout the U.S. and worldwide. They have been and are used safely and effectively in homes, hospitals, schools and workplaces every single day.

"Furthermore, triclosan and products containing it are regulated by a number of governmental bodies around the world and have a long track record of human and environmental safety which is supported by a multitude of science-based, transparent risk analyses."

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