Changes Loom for Scientists Working with Antibacterials

Moms, doctors, and researchers all agree that good hygiene practices such as washing your hands and keeping a clean household are the best guards against many diseases. Disinfectants, soap, and water remain the old standbys for keeping homes and hands clean. However, antibacterial compounds added to dishwashing detergents, lotions, and even fabric have taken the marketplace by storm. Although many scientists in industry believe these products give consumers an added edge against bacteria and ot

Written byStephen Hoffert

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BOTTOMS UP: Microban's impregnated plastic retains antibacterial properties through the lifetime of the product. When particles on the surface of an article are removed through abrasion, antibacterial compounds quickly migrate up to the surface to replace them.

However, recent actions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have put this home health revolution temporarily on hold. In April, the agency issued a draft of revised regulations that could significantly change registration procedures and testing methods for many products treated with antibacterials. EPA drafted clarifications of regulations in response to the growing presence in the marketplace of unregistered "treated articles" claiming to protect consumers from disease-causing bacteria, according to Walter C. Francis, a senior advisor in the antimicrobials division of EPA's pesticide program.

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, EPA gained the authority to regulate products containing a pesticide or antimicrobial. But under a 10-year-old rule EPA limited its reach ...

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