June 5, 2000
It is irresponsible for credible medical professionals to dismiss the entire category of antimicrobial products that fight disease-causing germs based on speculative scientific theories. These products dramatically reduce the risk of contracting infections from common bacteria, such as salmonella or e.coli, in the home. The simplest defense against disease is prevention and, the first defense is always good hygiene. Antimicrobial products have been shown to be an essential part of a good hygiene routine.
Civilization has struggled for thousands of years to fight germs for a reason: Germs are bad and getting sick all the time will not make us healthier or immune to other diseases.
The real issue remains the overuse and over - prescription of the antibiotic medicines and their use in animal feed. Our focus must be on using powerful medicines more effectively, not depriving consumers of everyday hygiene products. These products help us stay healthy and thus reduce the need for antibiotic drugs.
Charles P. Gerba, Ph.D.
Professor, University of Arizona