Are you a cleanliness freak? Are you investing in hand-sanitizers on regular basis? Maybe you should think twice before doing so, especially with your children around.

It is very important for us to keep ourselves and the environment around us clean, typically for the reason of the new diseases coming up with antibacterial resistance properties. The best and old fashioned way to keep us from the germs is by washing our hands with soap and water before eating or after using the bathroom, etc. 

Hand-sanitizers have become a part of our ‘fast’ and adventurous lives where we need a quick-fix for everything! The benefits that they have are quite limited in comparison to the cons that they may affect us with.

Sanitizers are products approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) but it is highly important to check the labeled ingredients in it. The ones with an alcohol content (safest and the most affective ingredient) of 60% or above are the only one that must be used if used at all! The ones with the alcohol content less that 60 are just as good as using a nice smelling jell.  

Benefits of using sanitizers are that, that are reasonably priced, kills germs which cause sickness like gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, it makes the ‘little ones’ aware that germs’ main source into the body is through hands and that they should be kept clean. But apart from that, there are many problems that sanitizers create, such as:

• Kills good bacteria along with the bad ones. Since we were young, we have always been educated about the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria. The good ones are important for our immunity and strength in the body to fight any illness. Sanitizer’s antibacterial agents kill most of the bacteria but the resistant ones stay there and multiply and form even more dangerous bacteria which the sanitizers cannot eliminate. Companies do not make sanitizers which can differ between the good and the bad bacteria, therefore it is advisable to at least, reduce the use of it.

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• It is flammable and toxic to children for the fact that the alcohol content is ver y high. There is a caution fact printed behind the bottles which says, “keep away from children”. There have been many reports of kids getting alcohol poisoning due to hand sanitizers. Although the person has to ingest a reasonable amount to get this far, it also warns us about the same.

Phthalates is an ingredient used in sanitizers to give that sweet smell which if entered the body, can cause some serious harm.

• Triclosan is an anti-bacterial agent usually used in soaps and cleaning products, if ingested, can cause cancer as well as infertility and early puberty in some cases. Some companies use this agent as a substitute alcohol to reduce cost and the and price of the product. People don’t always check the back side of the bottle to see the ingredients.
• Rough hands. If sanitizers used in an excessive amount, can cause your skin to get dry and rough over time.

So before throwing off your paper greens for this, think about the effects it can have on you and your loved ones. Switch to hygiene methods like a wash with soap and water at all times, unless there really is a need to use sanitizers.

 Keep healthy and keep safe! 

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