Antibacterial Soap Linked to Psychiatric Illnesses

Dr. William Shaw, Director of Great Plains Laboratory, published recently in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine an article suggesting that chemicals found in antibiotic soap decreased levels of learning and increased crime rates, including murder.

The article is title “The Unique Vulnerability of the Human Brain to Toxic Chemical Exposure and the Importance of Toxic Chemical Evaluation and Treatment in Orthomolecular Psychiatry,” and in it he makes a case for environmental testing, particularly of toxic metals. He also focused on the chemical parachlorometaxylenol (PCMX).  This chlorinated phenolic compound has previously been linked to depression, central nervous system dysfunctions and neurotoxicity

Shaw makes the argument that Tricolsan and Hexachlorophene, found in many household items such as soap and toothpaste, are chemically very close to PCMX and therefore will have similar toxicities.

He states. “The human brain… is especially susceptible to a variety of toxic chemicals. The high fat content of [the] brain also makes them especially susceptible to long term storage of the same fat soluble toxic chemicals that accumulate in adipose tissue.”

Although I agree with Shaw to an extent, it’s quite a stretch to compare chemically related structures to toxicity potential. One carbon molecule added can drastically change the kinetics and chemical makeup.

The data Shaw presents isn’t quite as strong as I’d like, and as I’ve already pointed out he makes some major stretches. It should also be noted that as a Director of a Laboratory which tests for heavy metals and other environmental toxins he does have quite a conflict of interest. It seems that many of the studies he publishes somehow has a direct correlation to one of his tests. So I’m always cautious reading his articles.

However the data is quite clear on antibiotic soaps creating “super resistant” bugs. For that reason I do recommend finding hand soaps that do not contain Tricolsan . In my office and at home I use an ethyl alcohol based hand sanitizer and an herbal based hand soap. It’s quite easy to avoid Tricolsan and other added chemicals.

Reference:
William Shaw, PhD.  The Unique Vulnerability of the Human Brain to Toxic Chemical Exposure and the Importance of Toxic Chemical Evaluation and Treatment in Orthomolecular Psychiatry.  JOM. 2010. 25(3).