Germs are everywhere - in the home, at the office, on grocery carts and playground equipment. Especially during the winter months, health-conscious individuals are most actively attempting to avoid the onslaught of rhinovirus, influenza, and other easily-spread infectious diseases. This is when an immediate, inexpensive, and effective alternative to the more traditional soap-and-water method is welcomed by many consumers.
Waterless hand sanitizer has become accepted by the general public as a safe and effective option. It has become increasingly difficult to find a classroom, doctor's office, grocery store, shopping mall, or even amusement park ride that does not sport a permanently mounted dispenser or a disposable countertop container of antibacterial hand sanitizer. While it is still important to wash one's hands with soap and water, it is not always available. Using the conveniently located containers are a useful alternative.
Sanitizer products come in a variety of containers, from foaming dispensers to squeeze, pump, or spray bottles. It may consist of the pesticide triclosan or alcohol-based gel, liquid, or wipe. It may contain fragrances, essential oils, or dyes, and include ingredients such as aloe to counter the drying effects of the typical alcohol-based formula.
Alcohol-based sanitizers will eliminate microbes only if the concentration of alcohol is between 60 and 95%; many brands, however, contain 40% or less. In order to maximize the effectiveness of the product, apply a small amount to the palm of one hand, and rub so that it covers both hands in their entirety, until skin feels completely dry. This should take about 20 seconds.
Triclosan-based gels are highly effective. One side effect is that in the process of killing most of the bacteria present, sometimes remaining microbes become resistant.
Alcohol-based sanitizers are used instead of those including triclosan, but have the potential for causing poisoning in children who may inadvertently ingest it. It is essential to limit and supervise the use of such products with children, especially in environments such as day-cares and primary schools.
According to the CDC, traditional washing with soap and water is still an effective way of preventing the spread of infection. It is important to thoroughly wash one's hands after using the toilet, blowing one's nose, handling uncooked meat and poultry, and changing diapers, and before cooking and eating. The CDC's guidelines for effective hand-washing include the following: wet skin with warm water, if possible, apply soap, rub together for at least 20 seconds, rinse well, and dry with a clean towel.
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