Though hand sanitizer gel was created in 1966 it did not gain popularity until much later. 2002 marked the CDC’s recommendation to use and publicize sanitizers for public use. This was when many companies jumped on the band wagon and commercialized hand sanitizer gels began to flood the market.
Prior to this most of us grew up playing outside, getting dirty, and getting cleaned up with just good old soap and water. Our wounds healed and we grew up to be healthy adults.
Here in 2022, we are bombarded with antibacterial everything, especially thanks to the pandemic – soaps, wipes, hand sanitizers. Kids are being over sanitized to the point of possibly washing away their immunity to germs. Unless you are exposed to germs, dirt, and bacteria you never have a chance to build immunity to it.
A True Look at Hand Sanitizers
What is really in them?
Alcohol – According to the National Poison Data System, kids ingested hand sanitizer over 120,000 times between 2014 and 2019.
92% of these incidents involved products made with alcohol, which have the most dangerous consequences. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic sanitizers, though, had negative effects on kids. This has become popular among teens, but many involve small children who think that if it smells good, it must also taste good. Even when supervised many little kids will try and lick the sanitizer off their hands.
For a sanitizer to be effective, it must be a minimum of 60% alcohol. But that is far from all that is in these little bottles that claim to be keeping us safe.
Benzalkonium Chloride – Causes disruption of lipid (fat) bi-layers in cell membranes which is how it kills bacteria. Unfortunately, it also kills enzymes your body needs to stay healthy. These enzymes are what control how much water, fat and other materials enter the cells. It is toxic to humans in higher concentrations and toxic to wildlife in its smallest amounts.
Fragranced added – There is no current regulation on “fragrance” at all. It can contain a whole array of chemicals that no one is required to list.
Phthalates – This is the chemical that helps give it an “oily” feel. It has been noted in studies to have negative effects on male reproductive effectiveness.
Formaldehyde – This preservative has been known to irritate the respiratory tract and the endocrine system (regulation of hormones).
Triclosan – This is an antibacterial substance but has been linked with failing antibacterial resistance over time. This leads to more illness and the lesser ability of the weakened immune system to fight infections off.
Our conclusion? – If you must use hand sanitizer, use it sparingly. Wash your hands frequently with good old-fashioned soap and water.
If you are looking for natural antibacterial properties choose a soap made with essential oils, which are antibacterial and antiviral. Wash your hands, rubbing them for at least 20-30 seconds, then rinse and dry.
Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, Florida.
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster in conjunction with Kaster Chiropractic and Associates a chiropractic office in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.