The Hand Sanitizer Myth – 5 reasons why you might want to quit using it

It has become fashionable nowadays to squirt a blob of Hand Sanitizer gel onto our palms, rub them together vigorously and voila we think our hands are clean and microbe-free!

Hand sanitizers have become so commonplace amongst certain sections of the society that they are being preferred over the traditional soap and water wash-routine. Children carry it in their school bags and professionals in their handbags and backpacks.

Here are 5 reasons you might want to say goodbye to that Hand sanitizer:

1. Antibiotic Resistance: Most of us are floating in a microbial soup – they are all over us, inside us, and also part of our genetic code. Most microbes are beneficial to humans and there is a fine balance that is maintained between the “good” and “bad” bacteria – it is when this balance is upset that we suffer from a stomach upset for example and the doctor asks us to take a pill with several million “good” bacteria in them – Lactobacilli (the same bacteria present in curd/yoghurt). Many hand sanitizers contain the chemical “Triclosan” which besides being a chemical that can cause hormonal issues also contributes to antibiotic resistance. In other words using hand sanitizers may actually lower our body’s ability to resist or fight microbial challenges – the classical silver bullet that doesn’t differentiate between the “Good” and the “Bad”.
   
2. Alcohol poisoning: 90% of hand sanitizers reportedly contain alcohol either in the form of ethyl alcohol (Ethanol) or isopropyl alcohol or a combination of the two in concentrations ranging from a low of 60% to a high of 90% (As per the US-FDA, they don’t work at concentrations lower than that). That would translate to about a few shots of raw, hard liquor from a few squirts! Children (and some adults) who accidentally ingest the hand sanitizer can suffer from serious consequences of alcohol poisoning.
   
3. Hormonal imbalance & Lowered immunity: Triclosan, the active ingredient in some hand sanitizers (and also toothpastes and mouth washes) can cause hormonal imbalances according to the US-FDA. Further, Triclosan may actually cause bacteria to adapt and become more resistant to standard antibiotic therapy. Studies have also shown that “ultra-clean” environments are actually not that good for children and that Triclosan in Hand sanitizers can lower immunity and immune response particularly in children. The old habit of children ingesting a little dirt may actually not be that bad after all!
   
4. Increases skin’s absorption of BPA: Recent studies have shown that hand sanitizers increase the skin’s absorption of a dangerous chemical – Bisphenol-A (BPA) – this chemical is used in making clear plastic packaging for food, clear plastic bottles, and thermal paper receipts (those little receipts that you get when you swipe your card, or when you buy a bus ticket). BPA is a known endocrine toxin that can cause serious harm.
   
5. The fragrance/odor of Hand sanitizers: The fragrance and the icky sweet smell that Hand sanitizers give-off can be quite harmful to those who are allergic to fragrances. If the fragrance is derived from phthalates then it can harm major organs in the body including liver, kidneys, and lungs.

A safer alternative is washing hands with plain, normal soap (not antibacterial) and water. You can always carry a small soap with you. If soap is not available then a good mechanical scrubbing of the hands under running water for 20 seconds should suffice – pay special attention to areas that can harbor dirt and debris – between fingers and under nails.

References: 

1. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20160629/fda-asks-how-safe-is-that-hand-sanitizer#1. Last accessed: April 10. 2017.
2. Available at: http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2015/06/15/study-warns-hand-sanitizer/. Last accessed: April 10. 2017
3. Available at: http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/hand-sanitizers-9-reasons-you-should-think-before-using-them. Last accessed: April 10. 2017
4. Kurumi Fukushima: “5 hidden dangers of hand sanitizers” – The street.