Some popular antibacterial hand gels, sponges, household cleaners, and even mattresses may actually contribute to the spawning of superbugs. From Scientific American:
Unlike (soap and other) traditional cleaners, antibacterial products leave surface residues, creating conditions that may foster the development of resistant bacteria, Levy notes. For example, after spraying and wiping an antibacterial cleaner over a kitchen counter, active chemicals linger behind and continue to kill bacteria, but not necessarily all of them.
When a bacterial population is placed under a stressor–such as an antibacterial chemical–a small subpopulation armed with special defense mechanisms can develop. These lineages survive and reproduce as their weaker relatives perish. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is the governing maxim here, as antibacterial chemicals select for bacteria that endure their presence…
As bacteria develop a tolerance for these compounds there is potential for also developing a tolerance for certain antibiotics.
