Prevent swine flu with the right soap

Do you need antibacterial soap to fight swine flu? Nope.

It's true that washing your hands regularly with soap and water is one of your best (and easiest) defenses against swine flu, but don't get sucked into buying antibacterial soap. Washing with good old-fashioned soap and water is your best bet.

Studies show that antibacterial soaps aren't more effective at preventing illness or removing germs than regular soap and water. And they may do more harm than good. There are concerns that triclosan (the pesticide that's the main ingredient in antibacterial soaps) may contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Triclosan is also present in human bodies and breast milk, as well as in streams. The Environmental Working Group says triclosan has been linked to developmental defects, liver toxicity, and cancer in lab studies, and it may also affect the thyroid and hormones.

Check labels to make sure that triclosan or triclocarban (a similar compound that's found in bar soaps) aren't active ingredients.

Here are a few triclosan-free liquid hand soaps to get you started:

• Trader Joe's Lavender & Chamomile Hand Soap
• Method Hand Wash (Pink Grapefruit)
• Softsoap Soothing Aloe Vera Moisturizing Hand Soap
• Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Soap (Hemp-Peppermint)
• Terraessentials Organic Real Soap for Hands
• Desert Essence Castile Liquid Soap With Organic Tea Tree Oil

What should you do when you just can't get to a sink? Choose one of the many hand sanitizers on the market that are designed to obliterate germs without the addition of running water. They're not a substitute for regular hand washing, but they're good in a pinch. 

Make sure that the wipes or creams you choose are actually up for the job. Some are merely hand washes and don't kill germs. You'll need to read labels and look for products that make efficacy statements.

Most are alcohol-based and kill viruses by drying them out.  To be effective, they need to contain at least 60% alcohol, says Sonya Lunder at the Environmental Working Group.

Two groups have done excellent product research so you don't have to. Check out EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database (which rates hand sanitizers based on safety) and Good Guide (which rates them based on environmental, social, and health attributes).

I've vetted both lists to find hand sanitizers that score highest on safety and examined labels to determine which are effective at destroying germs. The list below also includes some alcohol-free choices for those who find it too harsh and drying.

• All Terrain Hand Sanz
• CleanWell Natural Hand Sanitizer
• EO Products Hand Sanitizer
• Hands 2go Foaming Instant Hand Sanitizer
• Jao Hand Refresher
• Nexcare Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer

Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews with Yahoo! Green's users. Send Lori a question or suggestion for potential use in a future column. Her book, Green Greener Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart Choices a Part of Your Life is available on Yahoo! Shopping and Amazon.com.

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