Leading microbiologists and ecologists from the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, and Brazil have called for a sharp reduction in the use of antibacterial products in households—from wipes and sprays to soaps and laundry detergents.

Experts Warn Antibacterial Products May Fuel Deadly Superbugs

In an article published in Environmental Science & Technology, the researchers argue that limiting the use of such products could help slow the spread of drug-resistant superbugs, which claim more than a million lives each year.

Miriam Diamond, a professor at the University of Toronto, notes that current global strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance focus on reducing antibiotic use in hospitals and farms but entirely overlook the bactericidal chemicals released daily into the environment from millions of households. According to scientists, this creates ideal conditions for the emergence of new superbugs, as reported by TASS.

Particularly alarming is the fact that public use of antibacterial products surged during the COVID-19 pandemic—about five or six years ago—and has not declined since. These products often contain benzalkonium chloride or similar compounds, which break down slowly in nature and accumulate in sediment at the bottom of wastewater treatment plants and water bodies. Over time, this buildup enables bacteria to develop resistance not only to the antiseptics themselves but also to other harmful molecules.

At the same time, the researchers emphasize that recent studies clearly show most antibacterial soaps, wipes, and similar products do not reduce infection transmission risks or provide meaningful benefits to society. In light of this, the authors urge policymakers to develop incentives encouraging consumers to switch to regular soap and cleaning products without bactericidal additives.