Why you need to worry about hand sanitiser
How safe are hand sanitisers?
You’ve heard the advice since you were young – wash your hands to avoid getting sick. And now hand sanitiser has swooped in as a way to keep our hands clean, even when we’re on the go. It comes in appealing scents, fun squeeze bottles, and it’s often marketed toward kids. But is hand sanitiser safe to use? Here’s what you need to know.
Are all hand sanitisers the same?
Many people might not know that not all hand sanitisers are created equal. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), it’s important to use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. This type of sanitiser not only is more effective at killing germs, but non-alcohol based sanitisers can actually be harmful and can cause germs to develop resistance to sanitising.
It’s especially important to avoid hand sanitisers that contain triclosan, a synthetic ingredient added to many antibacterial products. The FDA warns that “high doses of triclosan is associated with a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones [and may contribute to] making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.”
Does hand sanitiser prevent illness?
Hand sanitiser can’t rid your hands of bacteria if you’re not using it correctly. Remember to use the proper amount of sanitiser, to rub it over all surfaces of your hands, and to let the product dry. Also, don’t wipe your hands or rinse them after applying. When used correctly, alcohol-based hand sanitisers kill at least 99.9 percent of viruses, fungi and bacteria. So after you touch that public stair railing or shopping cart handle, using hand sanitiser can help you avoid a cold or flu virus. But keep in mind, people often pick up a virus after inhaling droplets in the air, and unfortunately, hand sanitiser can’t help you with that.
Which is more effective – a hand sanitiser or soap and water?
Although that tingling feeling of a hand sanitiser may feel like the best and most effective way to cleanse your hands, the reality is, nothing beats plain old soap and water. The CDC says the best way to prevent the spread of infections and decrease the risk of getting sick is to regularly wash your hands, whenever possible. Try to only use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not accessible, like when you’re in the car, when you’re shopping or at a movie or concert. Also remember that hand sanitisers should not be used after handling chemicals or when hands are visibly dirty, in those cases use soap and water.
Written by Erica Young. This article first appeared in Reader’s Digest. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription offer.