Health Impact News Editor Comments:

Dr. Mercola has published an article today about the dangers of washing your hands with antibiotic soaps: “4 of the Most Dangerous Myths About Washing Your Hands.” In this article he discusses how the use of antibacterial soaps are now tied to a public health crisis:

“Did you know that antibacterial soaps are tied to a public health crisis?  It’s true. The fervent use of antibacterial soaps and other antimicrobial products significantly contribute to a growing scourge: antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic-resistant disease is a problem that few pay attention to, despite the fact that it’s been a known, growing phenomenon for several decades. It’s now become one of the most serious public health threats of the 21^st Century. Antibiotic-resistant infections now claim more lives each year than the “modern plague” of AIDS, and cost the American health care system some $20 billion a year.”

Read the Full Article here: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/02/25/myths-about-hand-hygiene.aspx

One of the main ingredients in antibacterial soaps and products is triclosan. To learn more about triclosan and why it is dangerous, and what products use it, visit the Beyond Pesticides website. The EPA is currently taking public comments on banning triclosan, so if you or others you know have had your health negatively impacted from this antibacterial agent, be sure to make your voice know. More information is available at the Beyond Pesticides website: http://www.beyondpesticides.org/antibacterial/triclosan.htm

Dr. Bernhoft is a practicing medical doctor and former surgeon who almost lost his life due to excessive hand-washing while performing over 600 surgeries a year. He now practices environmental medicine in Ojai California:

“Robin A. Bernhoft, MD, FACS was born in Fargo, North Dakota, graduated cum laude from Harvard College and earned his MD at Washington University Medical School, St Louis. After surgery residency at UCSF, where he published over twenty scientific papers, and a liver/pancreatic surgery fellowship in London, England, he entered private practice in the Seattle area, joining the clinical faculty of the University of Washington Medical School. After several years of busy surgical practice, he became environmentally ill, from leaving disinfectant on his hands throughout 600 operations per year. The toxic chemicals he absorbed swamped his ability to detoxify, and gave him skin, respiratory and GI problems which caused him to lose 35 pounds in four months. In order to understand what was happening to him, and to survive, Dr Bernhoft retrained in environmental medicine, 2002-6. By applying what he learned, he regained his health, and shed his sensitivity to perfumes and mold. Dr Bernhoft is now able to run 20 to 30 miles per week, and is three belts short of black belt in Shito Ryu karate. He has his life back, and is eager to use what he has learned to help others regain theirs.”

You can contact him via his website: http://drbernhoft.com/