Marketing ploys influencing the fear of bacteria

First of all, there are more than 2,000 strains of bacteria. Only a small number of these 'germs' can cause harm to the human body. Most of the bacteria illnesses in the United States are not even from dirt, they are food born. Marketers have duped people into believing that by using antibacterials and disinfectants the chance of contracting small illnesses such as colds, flu, and stomach bugs will be eliminated by 99.6%. There is a major catch, these illnesses are caused by viruses, which antibacterial products do not kill.

Bacteria out number the human cells on our bodies 10 to 1. Using antibacterial soaps in the hope of killing all bacteria is simply pointless. Bacteria plays a major part in our daily lives. Bacteria on our skin prevents us from getting sick. Bacteria in our digestive track helps us to break down food and vitamins. Exposure to bacteria is vital for the development of the immune system in children. Studies show that children who are exposed to bacteria have stronger immune systems. In households where antibacterial soaps and and disinfectant cleaners are regularly used, children are more likely to develop asthma and allergies. Studies also show that children who attend daycare - a place bacteria are said to thrive- are 36% less likely to develop leukemia because they have stronger immune systems. Killing the good bacteria on our bodies causes a resistance to antibodies in medicine that kill off harmful germs. This leads to bacteria 'superbugs', like MRSA and VRE that are immune to our antibiotics. Continual use of antibacterial products may cause even more resistant strains of bacteria in the future.

Antibacterial products have a negative effect on our bodies and our environment. Triclosan, is a chemical in antibacterial soaps, cleaners, and antiseptic toiletries. It has been proven to alter the function of the thyroid gland and weaken muscle function in humans Also when Triclosan combines with the chlorine in our water it forms the Chloroform, a carcinogen likely to cause cancer. Most antibacterial products are washed or flushed down the drain, however; water treatment plants can't process these chemicals. This has caused Triclosan and other similar chemicals to wind up in surface water at frequently found in concentrations that are toxic to aquatic life. Whats even more disturbing is where else they show up: umbilical cords of infants and breast milk of mother.

Bacteria also helps us to decompose waste in our septic tanks and water treatment plants. To achieve proper treatment, a septic system is dependent on millions of naturally occurring bacteria throughout the system. Good bacteria from our bodies and waste are what makes a septic system function. Anaerobic bacteria in the tank decomposes organic waste. Aerobic bacteria in soil, destroys disease causing pathogens and finish breaking down molecular waste. The accumulative use of antibacterial soaps and cleaners in the home, causes significant and total destruction of both the good and bad bacteria in the septic system. Because septic systems are responsible for the treatment of water that eventually returns back into the environment.Septic maintenance is a vital part of ensuring a healthy and safe environment. Maintaining the bacteria in the septic system is key. Regularly add a septic tank treatment that contains a high count of bacteria and enzymes to replenish the bacteria in the tank.

75% of all liquid soaps contain antibacterials as well as: shampoos,body wash, mouthwash, toothpaste, tile tub and shower cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, laundry detergents, bleach and bleach alternative products, kitchen disinfectants, dish soaps and dish washer detergents, and fabric softeners. We live in a world where we surrounded by antibacterials and it is almost impossible to eliminate using them, however; limiting the use can contain the problem.

To limit antibacterials in your septic:

When septic systems were created we normally and naturally added enough of the right kind of bacteria into our septic system to maintain regular function. Septic tank treatment products have become a necessary part of septic maintenance. The bacteria in our tanks don't stand a chance without septic tank additives that contain bacteria and enzymes. Today the regular use antibacterials disrupts the natural ecological system on our bodies, in our environment and in our septic systems. Use regular soap, its worked for hundreds of years, and now we have proof that its better and safer than antibacterials.