In our last post we explored germ theory and proper hand washing techniques. Hand washing is the number one way to prevent infection. Hand sanitizers should NOT be a substitute for washing your hands when plain soap and water are available.
In recent years hand sanitizers have come under close investigation, and rightly so. With antibiotic resistant microbes and superbugs becoming an increasing danger in and out of our hospitals, many people are waking up to the dangers that created them.
For years public health experts have warned that the chemicals in hand sanitizers labeled as “antibacterial” do more harm than good. Until September of 2014 the use of triclosan, triclocarban, registered pesticides, were widely used in hand soap (both bar and liquid), hand sanitizers and body washes. The FDA has how banned these and 17 other chemicals that have been widely used in those products. Evidence suggests that they promote antibiotic resist infections and interrupt hormone regulation and stay in our environment for many decades. This is a big step in the right direction!
With these chemicals being taken out of use, companies are scrambling to find replacements. In antibacterial products, triclosan is being replaced with one of the following: benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride or chloroxylenol (PCMX). It is yet unknown if these new chemicals are safe and effective. The FDA has given companies another year to provide this data. The FDA is also currently evaluating the safety and efficacy of alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol), isopropyl alcohol and benzalkonium chloride in these products. So stay tuned.
So what can we do?
- Evaluate the safety of your personal care and cleaning products on a great website called Skin Deep . This database created by the Environmental Working Group is an amazing resource that rates 63,290 products for their toxicity and potential health concerns.
- Investigate your hand soaps and replace them with non-toxic options.
- Avoid using hand sanitizers, and if you can’t, replace them with less toxic options.
- Make your own hand sanitizer. We’ve included one recipe below but there are a lot out there to try!
DIY Hand Sanitizer: A Natural Antibacterial Alternative:
To make 8oz of hand sanitizer combine 4oz of 40% vodka, 4oz aloe vera gel, 20 drops clove essential oil, 20 drops lemon essential oil, 7 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil, 7 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 5 drops rosemary essential oil. If you do not have these essential oils, don’t worry. Simplify. Most people have tea tree or lavender essential oils on hand. Simply put 50-60 drops total of other essential oils as a substitute. Some essential oils such as the ones listed above have special antibacterial properties, so if you don’t use the ones listed, do some more research.
Shake well, transfer to flip cap or pump bottle. Label should include ingredients AND (external only, plus the date). It is best if used within 3 months.
