Hand Sanitizer Pros & Cons
It is a fact that bacteria is a major cause for virtually all respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. In order to maintain a healthy immune system, it is vital to limit the amount of known harmful bacteria in your environment. The use of a hand sanitizer may prove to be an effective preventive measure.
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Ingredients
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It is important when selecting a hand sanitizer that you read the active ingredients to make sure that the solution is within the recommended percentages 60 to 90 percent alcohol, otherwise, it may not be effective.
Effects on the Immune System
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It has been debated whether or not using a hand sanitizer adversely affects the immune system. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently reviewed this question and determined that the use of hand sanitizers does not affect the way our bodies fight these bacteria. Your immune system will function to the best of its ability whether you are using a hand sanitizer or not. If you can remove some of the potentially harmful bacteria from the surface of your skin then you are helping to decrease your chances of coming down with a cold or stomach bug.
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Children and Hand Sanitizers
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It has also been debated if children are getting sick more frequently due to the reduction in bacteria on their hands from the use of hand sanitizers. Children do need a certain amount of bacteria to develop a healthy immune system, however, the idea that hand sanitizers create an overly "clean" environment just isn't true. Your child will get plenty of immunity building bacteria on a daily basis from putting things in their mouths when you are not looking even with the use of hand sanitizers.
Benefits
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Hand sanitizers are portable and have many of the same benefits of hand washing. They can be used when soap and water are not easily accessible. By removing even a small percentage of the bacteria you encounter everyday, you can help to ensure that you are the healthiest that you can be.
Drawbacks
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Because hand sanitizers are so easy to use, they can be an easy fall back. It is only a good choice when your hands are visibly clean. People may feel that their hands are clean enough and may choose not to wash with soap and water. The use of a hand sanitizer should be used in conjunction with hand washing and not as a stand alone process. It is important to understand that hand sanitizers do not kill viruses. Hand sanitizers are also highly flammable and can be toxic if ingested.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/daily/2005/04/photos/04-germs.jpg
