Wednesday, September 17, 2014

The Truth about Hand Sanitizer:

Most people usually equate hand sanitizer with help, as it is told that it will kill 99% of germs found on the skin. However, studies and research are beginning to show that hand sanitizer is not as good as we think. This may be shocking to hear as hand sanitizer is found almost everywhere, ranging from hospitals, schools, offices, and homes. So what’s the deal with it?

The main ingredient in bacteria fighting agents is alcohol. Studies show that for hand sanitizer to be truly effective, it must contain at least 60% alcohol amongst it’s ingredients. Although this may be true, many companies continue to sell hand sanitizer with less than the necessary amount of alcohol. Anything less than 60% won’t kill the germs and bacteria you were hoping to get rid of. The best thing to do is to look at the label of the hand sanitizer to see its alcohol content.

Besides for not having enough alcohol content in some sanitizers, some do not have any at all. It has found to be that triclosan, the active ingredient in non-alcoholic hand sanitizers, actually make your body resistant to some antibiotics. Meaning, sooner than later the germs and bacteria you are trying to kill off will be able to tolerate the hand sanitizer, thus they will be able to live. This scary truth can cause more harm than good when using hand sanitizer frequently.

Lastly, research shows that hand sanitizers that do not contain 60% of more alcohol, do not even fight off viruses such as the common cold. This is because illnesses like the common cold are not caused by germs and bacteria, rather they are caused by viruses in the body. For all those who slather on the hand sanitizer when they feel a cold coming on, are nothing actually helping to prevent it.  

Now that you know what hand sanitizer is really all about, what is the final verdict? Should you opt for the hand sanitizer or leave it behind? The best route in this matter is to make sure you are using alcohol containing agents, of course with an alcohol content of 60% or above. Anything other than that will not be effective, and can even leave you off worse. Don’t get fooled by choosing the cheapest brand, make sure to buy the right brand so that you can stay healthy!  

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