Many people use antibacterial soaps in their bathrooms and kitchens, they carry hand sanitizing gels and wipes when they’re away from home, and their grocery stores have even gotten into the act, offering wipes for the cart handles.

There are concerns that the use of these products could lead to increased bacterial resistance and health problems.

• Professor Allison Aiello, PhD, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology & Population Health at the University of Michigan