pessimisms.com

There’s no question that hand sanitizers are one of the most convenient recent inventions. They are very effective at eliminating germs and bacteria, and they’re easy to use, even on the go. In recent years, doctors have recommended them to prevent the spread of colds, flu and other illnesses. They’ve certainly become popular. Nearly every mom in America has hand sanitizer in her purse. But, as great as they are, did you know that there are some potential dangers from hand sanitizers? Here are four dangers of hand sanitizers.

1. Overuse – Hand sanitizers are quick, convenient and effective, but they’re not meant to replace soap and water. They don’t actually clean your hands, so they’re not a substitute for soap and water cleaning. Because they’re so convenient, people may be tempted to over use them. This means they’re walking around with dirty hands, which is by no means safe or sanitary.
2. Hand sanitizer poisoning – Hand sanitizer is made primarily from alcohol. In fact, they are 60-90% alcohol, which is a larger concentration than hard liquor. If children ingest them, it can be deadly. When using hand sanitizers with children, always opt for the fastest drying ones. This way, your children are less likely to be able to lick the sanitizer off their fingers. And, use just a small amount to avoid the same issue. In general, it’s good practice to discourage your children from any habit that causes them to put their fingers in their mouths (thumb sucking, nail biting, etc).
3. Irritation – Because of the high alcohol content, hand sanitizer can irritate cuts and scrapes and can even cause rashes in some people when they are overused, or when used by people with sensitive skin. They should not be used on cuts, abrasions or open wounds, and they should not be used to clean cuts in place of soap and water followed by antibiotic cream.  Hand sanitizers can also cause dry skin, since they are mostly made of alcohol. Use hand lotion regularly to prevent your skin becoming overly dry if you use hand sanitizers regularly.
4. Fire – Because hand sanitizers are made primarily from alcohol, they are highly flammable. They should not be stored in a hot car, or used near open flames or other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters. If you use a hand sanitizer before cooking, be sure your hands are completely dry before going near an ignited gas burner or grill.

So, while hand sanitizers are a great thing, they should, like most things, be used in moderation. Using a hand sanitizer when you don’t have access to soap and water is a great way to kill the germs that can cause illnesses. They should be used by children only under adult supervision and normal precautions should be used to prevent irritation and chance of fire. They should be thought of as “the next best thing to soap and water” and used only when you can’t get to soap and water.

Phyllis Zerkle blogs about why you should consider getting an M.P.H. online degree.

written by \\ tags: health tips