The pandemic supercharged the use of germ-killing antibacterial cleaners and sprays — but these products themselves could be fuelling the spread of drug-resistant superbugs.
A study by Monash University in Australia examined about 400 antibacterial cleaning products and found that nearly a third of them contain additives responsible for the spread of antimicrobial resistance — or superbugs.
"Adaptation to biocides — like those that occur in some personal hygiene products — can occur when bacteria are exposed to them at levels not enough to kill the bacteria, but enough to induce a stress response and select for fitter variants," lead researcher Francesca Short said.
"It's like killing off all the slow runners in a community. You get faster and faster runners being bred in the community and because bacteria breeds so very quickly the evolution of those bacteria happens very quickly," Mark Thomas, an associate professor of infectious disease at Auckland University, explained.
Superbugs have been identified as a global health threat. The key driver is overuse of antibiotics, but it's unclear just how much of a role is played by cleaning products.
The study said because of the widespread use of biocides it is difficult to determine how much real-world antimicrobial resistance results from their use.
"I haven't seen any evidence so far that our use in New Zealand of cleaning products is causing a problem but I think it's quite likely that it's a small contributor," Thomas said.
Experts say much of the use of antibacterial products is not necessary.
"Everybody has been told this is a very important thing to do to protect your health. I've even seen anti-bacterial socks marketed," Short said.
"In food preparation, in hospitals and other situations they are useful. But in use every time you go into the supermarket before you touch the handle of your supermarket trolley, that's excessive and ridiculous," Thomas said.
Accord, the Australasian industry body for companies that make cleaning and hygiene products, disputed the link with superbugs.
"There is no well-established platform of scientific evidence that conclusively links use of hygiene, sanitising and disinfecting products that may contain antibacterial ingredients to antimicrobial resistance."
But New Zealand's Health Ministry told 1News cleaning with soap and water was recommended for everyday use, and it's aware antibacterial products are often no better at killing germs.
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