Anti-Bacterial or Anti-Health?

Have you noticed the prevalence of "anti-bacterial" products now on the market? These range from body care items like soaps and lotions to family goods such as cutting boards, telephones, sponges, toilet seats and even underwear. Do we actually require so much sanitizing? Perhaps we are doing ourselves extra harm than good by using these products.

Some regular anti-bacterial agents used are triclosan triclocarban, benzalkonium choride and alcohol. While these substances are shown to remove the most susceptible bacteria, scientists hypothesize that all bacteria are not destroyed; infact, the outstanding bacteria can survive and multiply, their enlargement optimized by the absence of weaker bacteria. And because anti-bacterial substances depart a residue, bacteria can develop resistance to the short level of lingering chemicals.

Another fear about anti-bacterial products is the false sense of security they give consumers which can guide to poor hygiene practices. Water is necessary to carry the anti-bacterial substance across the cell wall of the bacteria or virus, so don’t skip your hand washing. In fact, cleansing of hands and household surfaces offers better disease defense than use of anti-bacterial products. Beware of false claims complete by manufacturers--there is presently insufficient data on the efficacy or toxicity of several of these products.

Here are some rules for proper hygiene that do not require the use of anti-bacterial substances:

Always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet, prior to eating or preparing food, after working in the garden or after altering a dirty diaper.

Rinse all fruits and vegetables fine under running water before eating, cutting or preparing them.

Always melt food in the refrigerator. Do not leave uncooked food unrefrigerate for more than 2 hours, or extra than one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees.

Use part cutting boards for uncooked meats, poultry or fish and vegetables, fruit, cheese and bread. Always clean surfaces, sinks and utensils with hot, soapy water if they have been in contact with raw meat, poultry, fish or eggs.

To sanitize an exterior or furniture, use bleach, denatured alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Sanitize artificial cutting boards, sponges and dish cloths in the dish washer.

Wash hands for extra than one minute after caring for a sick person.

Wash kid's hands and toys regularly.

A last word: products containing anti-bacterial agents are best kept for use when someone in the household is critically ill, has a compromised immune system or has now returned from the hospital.