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.”
Make sure to wash your hands immediately after you touch these 10 things.
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.
Learn more about how to decrease your chances of catching a cold.