FDA and Antimicrobial Hand Wash

FDA examines potential health risks associated with certain sanitizing agents in antibacterial and antimicrobial hand washes.

On December 16, 2013, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement that there was not enough evidence that antibacterial and antimicrobial hand washes help prevent the spread of germs, and is reviewing research suggesting that triclosan and other sanitizing agents in these hand washes may pose health risks.

What is triclosan?

Triclosan is a common ingredient added to consumer products including antibacterial and antimicrobial hand washes, to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination.

Triclosan health risks
Laboratory studies suggest triclosan may interfere with hormone levels, encourage the growth of drug-resistant bacteria, and could potentially raise human health risks including infertility, early puberty, and cancer.

FDA Proposed Rule requires product safety compliance. Noncompliance could result in removing products from market.
The FDA is working on a Proposed Rule (Tentative Final Monograph or TFM) on Consumer Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Hand Washes that will require manufacturers to prove these hand washes are safe to use. The FDA will finalize the Proposed Rule within two years, and the manufacturer compliance deadline is projected to be late 2016. Products not proven safe by the deadline will have to be reformulated, relabeled or removed from the market.

What is PCMX?

PCMX is an alternative active ingredient in Symmetry Antimicrobial Hand Wash. Unlike triclosan, PCMX does not have the reputation of posing potential health risks to humans and the environment.

If your facility requires an antimicrobial hand wash, consider Symmetry Antimicrobial Hand Wash.
Symmetry Antimicrobial Hand Wash contains 0.3% PCMX. In addition to its extensive efficacy data, it is formulated with maximum effectiveness while still being gentle to the skin.

Symmetry offers a complete line of hand hygiene product options for your specific needs.

Green Certified Hand Wash
Foam, Unscented

Hair, Hand and Body Wash
Liquid, Foam

Industrial Hand Wash
Liquid

Hand Sanitizer
Liquid, Foam, Unscented