Southampton researchers are calling for stricter regulations on antimicrobials to protect public health.
Antimicrobial chemicals are found in everyday products including soaps, cosmetics, clothing and cleaning sprays. They kill or slow the spread of microorganisms, including bacteria.
Now, researchers are cautioning they come at a ‘hidden cost’. While they target harmful germs, they also harm the beneficial bacteria that are vital for our health.
The warning was made by researchers from Southampton, Glasgow and Edinburgh. It has been published in the Journal of Infection.
The House of Lords debated a groundbreaking proposal to address this issue this week.
30 trillion bacteria
The human body is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They cover every inch of the human body, including the gut, skin, lungs and eyelashes. This community of microorganisms is known as the microbiome.
The microbiome plays a very important role. It helps with digestion, protects against infection and supports the immune system.
Some experts have called for the microbiome to be formally recognised as a human organ.
This is partly due to growing evidence that antimicrobial chemicals can damage the microbiome.
Proposed new law
The Consumer Products (Control of Biocides) Bill was debated in the House of Lords this week. It was introduced by Baroness Natalie Bennett, the former leader of the Green party of England and Wales.
If the bill becomes law, it will require manufacturers to show that their products are microbiome-safe. The UK would be the first country in the world to regulate the chemicals in this way.
The bill focuses on antimicrobials in everyday consumer products. It doesn’t restrict antimicrobials used for medical or public health reasons.
Dr Anastasia Theodosiou coined the term ‘microbiotoxicity’ and has driven greater understanding of this problem through her work at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). She has liaised with Baroness Bennett's policy team, and the bill makes explicit reference to microbiotoxicity.
Dr Theodosiou said: “We must face the reality that overuse of antimicrobials in everyday products poses a threat to our health and the environment. The proposed UK legislation is a crucial step towards addressing this issue, but it is only the beginning.
“We need global action to regulate these products and protect our microbiomes. By doing so, we can safeguard our health, preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and promote a more sustainable future.”
Dr Theodosiou, now a Clinical Lecturer at University of Glasgow, is joined in these calls by Professor Rob Read and Dr Chrissie Jones. They are all part of the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Microbiology, Immunology and Infection theme.
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