Are Hand Sanitizers Keeping Us Clean?

We’ve seen the automatic hand sanitizers at the Crystal Mall, Stop and Shop, and even schools and hospitals, but how effective are they in fighting germs? Should consumers instead guard themselves with miniature hand sanitizer bottles?

The answer might surprise you.

According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), for sanitizers to be effective, they “must contain 60% alcohol” and “should not contain harsh ingredients like bleach”.

While hand sanitizers in public places don’t list their ingredients, those for sale in the stores do. 

Non-alcohol based hand sanitizers (foam) have benzalkonium chloride, a quarternary ammonia ingredient, which “have not been proven to be as effective as the alcohol-based sanitizers against viruses.”

I recommend using Purell Advanced with refreshing Aloe which has 70% ethyl alcohol.

DPH also recommends other types of alcohol-based sanitizers including ethanol, isopropanol, and isopropyl.

Caution should be used as small children could get sick by ingesting alcohol-based sanitizers.

While wipes and towelettes are a great alternative, consumers should make sure they are labeled for use on hands and not for disinfecting.

The best way to fight germs is using good old-fashioned soap and water.

Consumers should look at the labels when purchasing soap and try to stay away from liquid and bar soaps that contain anti-microbials. Overuse of these types of soaps may lead to the development of resistant bacteria.

They should not purchase liquid hand soaps with the active ingredient triclosan as it has, according to DPH, “raised health concerns.”

DPH reminds folks to wash their hands as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. This is the best way to avoid getting sick and spreading illness.

For hands visibly dirty, soap and water is the only effective way in cleaning them.