Antimicrobial Clothing?
- Francine A. Yep, M.D.
Question
There are a ton of antimicrobial clothing and footwear options available right now. Is it good for my body to be encased in something that is antimicrobial? I've read a lot about a healthy microbiome.
Answer
Say "no thanks" and save your money. Common antibacterial agents like silver, triclosan, and trichlorocarban are found in germ- and odor-killing clothes and shoes. Researchers with the Swedish Chemical Agency found that 50 percent of triclosan and trichlorocarban rinses out after 10 rounds of washing. Up to 50 percent of silver rinses out after multiple washings. So the anti-germ properties won't stick around your clothes for long.
We are also worried that we don't know how these very small nano-particles of silver may impact our health. In addition, what happens after you wash your antimicrobial clothing? The rinse water with these anti-germ chemicals ends up in our water supply and environment -- how will this impact our wildlife, food and our health? We already have problems with livestock antibiotics and increased germ resistance to antibiotics. A similar thing may happen here.
And here's another thing to think about: we are learning more about how helpful germs keep our bodies happy and the environment healthy too. We don't want to knock off the good guys.
So, all in all, I would not recommend antimicrobial gear. Thanks for your great question.
Related questions
View all questions- Health Q&A
Aerobic vs. Resistance Exercise
Experts say not to skip meals because it slows metabolism down. We are also advised to exercise to burn fat. Now they say you can't just do aerobics, you need resistance training. I'm training with weights and all I'm doing is getting bigger.
I've been running for a number of years. I feel like I've sort of hit a plateau in my race times and performances. I'm considering taking dietary supplements, but I'm concerned about possible side effects. Should I be?
- Health Q&A
Exercise or Weight Loss for Health
My goal next year is to improve my overall health. Can you tell me if I should focus more on lowering my weight (as I'm a few pounds heavier than I should be), or concentrate more on exercising?
- Health Q&A
Exercising with Knee Pain?
I am 62 and have been doing Jazzercise aerobic exercise regularly for over a year. I started doing Jazzercise in the morning and began having knee pain. Should I quit this type of exercise? If so, what else should I do to stay in shape?
- Health Q&A
How Does BMI Relate to Overall Health?
I'm 54, eat well and exercise five times per week. Yet my BMI is 27, which translates as obese. Is a BMI of 27 really that indicative of my overall health?