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The antimicrobial chemical triclosan in antibacterial soaps is believed to disrupt thyroid function and hormone levels in people; when it mixes into wastewater, it can cause sex changes in aquatic life. And health experts believe that overuse of this and other antibacterial chemicals is promoting the growth of bacteria that are resistant to antibacterial treatment.

Learn more from the Rodale.com news archive:

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EPA OKs Chemicals in Your Underpants

What you can do: Avoid products labelled "antibacterial," use cleaners without unhealthy chemicals.

The Nickel Pincher: Suds Up, Spend Less

What you can do: Switch to liquid soap and avoid using antibacterial products.

Tainted Hand Lotions and Sanitizers Recalled

What you can do: Don’t rely on skin sanitizers to knock out germs. Save money by using just-as-effective soap and water.

Have the Healthiest Home on the Block, Part 2: The Bathroom

What you can do: Choose unscented, organic castile soap for cleaning your body and bathroom, and use simple homemade cleaners for stubborn soap scum.

Tainted Clarcon Hand Sanitizers Confiscated by U.S. Marshals

What you can do: Throw away any of the contaminated products and use old-fashioned methods to keep your hands clean.

Make Your Own Natural Hand Sanitizer

What you can do: When you can't wash with real soap and water, turn to a natural hand sanitizer—or make your own—to wipe out germs.

Abuse of Hand Sanitizers on the Rise

What you can do: If you're worried your children might abuse hand sanitizer, talk to them about the risks, and then opt for nonalcohol-based disinfecting wipes or sprays.

Why "Anti-Odor" Clothes Stink

What you can do: Use safe, dependable laundering methods, like vinegar or baking soda, to keep odor at bay.

Toxins in Your Soap to Become Harder to Hide

What you can do: Use our list of ingredients to look for to keep dangerous household chemicals out of your home.

FDA Considers Putting Harmful Chemical in Your Mouth

What you can do: Share your opinion during the FDA comment period; don't buy products containing triclosan or labeled "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial."