Comments on: Sanitizing little hands naturally

By: ostrov

ostrov — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:07:12 +0000

Thank you,
very interesting article

By: Kid Row

Kid Row — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:53:56 +0000

Tom, I don’t doubt that these chemicals are effective and that’s why the CDC recommends them. But little is known about the effects of long-term exposure (especially on kiddos). Concerns have been raised, for instance, about the potential for Benzalkonium chloride to contribute to the generation of drug-resistant “super bugs.”
This is from an acedemic paper (named below): “Bacteria emerging with resistance to these chemicals can show decreased susceptibility to antibiotics. A Japanese group reported a few years ago that MRSA selected in the laboratory for half the susceptibility to a biocide, benzalkonium chloride, showed a dramatic increase in resistance to a wide spectrum of ß-lactam antibiotics.” (From “The Resistance Phenomenon in Microbes and Infectious Disease Vectors”)
BC also is suspected to have toxic effects for the respiratory and immune systems. (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=700674&nothanks=1)
In the end, I think it’s a balance between the short-term and long-term dangers. Each parent decides for themselves what balance is right. I tend to lean toward the precautionary principle, commonly used by European policy makers, which calls for restraint until we know all the consequences. In the U.S. I think we tend to err on the side of rushing the product to market and evaluate the long-term effect later.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:10:03 +0000

We use the clean well you mentioned above. I have used it since last winter and really like it. You can find it at Target in Farmington.
I would like to say though, that we use it immediately after leaving stores, playgrounds, etc. It is something I use on my kids for extra protection from the store to the house. However, as soon as we get to a place with soap and water we wash our hands. I agree with making sure that you wash your hands properly, and keeping your fingers and hands out of your mouth, nose, and eyes. Although with little ones that is a lot easier said than done!

By: Tom M

Tom M — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:15:00 +0000

Katie,
While I agree with you in theory, you should really be tryig to educate people on what to look for and how to do things right rather than just doing it. I am trying to teach my 8 year old that she has to do things right or she really isn’t doing it at all. Brushing her teeth and washing her hands are a couple of small things she is working on.
As for hand sanitizers, be careful about what you get. Many hand cleaners lack the chemicals necessary to kill viruses on your hands effectively. Ethyl Alcohol and Benzalkonium chloride, also known as alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride and ADBAC are the ones that are best at killing viruses IF they are used properly and IF they are in the right concentration. They are in many things most likely already in your house. These are much easier to use properly than washing with soap and water and can be very convenient when at your desk or coming in from a playground.
I’m not sure I want to trust my family to peppermint and lavender this flu season.
Check out what the CDC says about how to wash your hands. Are you and your family doing it right?