The hand sanitizers many of us rely on to fend-off bacteria might be a cause of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms now spreading worldwide.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for more extensive data regarding antiseptic sanitizers, antibacterial soaps and hand washes used in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, factories and other healthcare institutions from companies that make these products.
The FDA said sanitizers haven't been thoroughly studied for the last 40 years.
This lack of information has forced the FDA to order makers of antiseptic sanitizers to provide it with information on how their products might affect the spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The FDA is also interested in knowing how the human body absorbs sanitizers and about the possible hormonal effects of sanitizers, said the Science Recorder.
Current technology makes it possible to detect the presence of antiseptic chemicals in the human body at levels far lower than what was possible in the 1970s. This new information sought by the FDA could help reveal if workers are actually absorbing the chemicals through their skin over time.
Many professional antibacterial products use alcohol and iodine as active ingredients. The FDA is concerned exposure to these chemicals is higher than previously believed.
It is accepting public comment for 180 days and manufacturers will have one year to submit the requested data. The final ruling will be released in the form of the completed monograph, which is best described as a recipe book revealing chemical combinations, doses and labeling etiquette for sanitizers.
The FDA said the request for data applies only to products created following this monograph. Once the monograph is completed, makers of sanitizers will be able to market products without FDA approval.