A hygiene product that has got enormous popularity in recent times is the hand sanitizer. Continue reading Reasons to Avoid Use of Hand Sanitizers
As people become aware of the importance of manual hand washing in reducing harmful germplasm, several hand sanitizer products have thrived on the market.
People are often seen rubbing a little disinfectant over their hands to eliminate germs that can cling to their skin.
Hand sanitizers are mostly used when there is no access to soap and water or not enough time to wash thoroughly.
But with hand sanitizers, there are two issues that strike the mind.
Can hand sanitizer be used as an appropriate alternative to handwashing?
Can it eliminate disease-causing germs in situations where the use of soap and water is inconvenient?
While hand disinfectants kill germs, it is important to limit your use. The excessive use of this hygiene product has certain disadvantages which can cause other health problems.
Here are several reasons to avoid the frequent use of hand disinfectants.
Table of Contents
1. Triclosan Harmful Ingredient
In most commercial hand disinfectants, a common chemical used for its antibacterial properties is triclosan. But it can do much more harm than good. This chemical can help to make bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
2. Poisoning of alcohol
Although hand disinfectants do not contain triclosan, this does not mean they are completely safe.
Another active ingredient in some hand disinfectants is alcohol that acts as an antimicrobial to kill bacteria.
Hand disinfectants that contain approximately 65% ethyl alcohol are harmful to the body when intentionally or unintentionally ingesting. Ethyl alcohol has connected to immune hypersensitivity and dysfunction, that can cause asthma & chronic dermatitis.
Many hand sanitizers also contain isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), a petrochemical that is a known neurotoxin.
3. Not effective against norovirus
Norovirus, that causes vomiting and diarrhea, is very contagious & may infect anyone. Hand disinfectants are not effective in protecting people from norovirus transmission.
4. Does not work on dirty hands
After using a hand sanitizer, we all think our hands are clean. But in reality, if your hands are too dirty, hand sanitizers will not remove any residue or germs.
5. Causes Dry Skin
Both alcohol-based and antibacterial disinfectants are harmful to the skin.
The high alcohol content in some disinfectants can remove the skin from its natural oil outer layer. This can hinder the protective barrier function of the skin and cause dryness of the skin, redness and even peeling.
Antibacterial hand sanitizers can cause skin sensitivity in the form of itching, burning sensation or dry skin. In fact, very small children should not use excess hand sanitizers as they are more susceptible to skin irritation.
6. Unknown chemicals added for perfume
Many hand sanitizers also include chemical fragrances, which can be irritating and related to allergies and hormonal disruptions.
Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates, which are endocrine disrupters that mimic hormones. They can even modify genital development.
Avoid hand disinfectants that have a “perfume”, unless the label indicates that it is derived from essential oils. It is better to choose the one that is not shared.