We all love quick and easy access to clean hands during those situations where hand washing is either inconvenient or downright impossible. That’s why hand sanitizers seem like a wonderful product to have on hand… or is it?

According to a recent study published in the Public Library of Science, this popular product, which is intended to help make our lives easier, may, in fact, be making our lives worse. The study provided some interesting reasons we should avoid the use of commercial hand sanitizing products:

1) Hand sanitizers are associated with allergy development in young children

Hand sanitizers that contain triclosan were found to be associated with the development of seasonal allergies in children under the age of 18 who were exposed to the substance, according to the study. The impact of triclosan on the endocrine systems of these young people is connected to their immune function, leaving them less apt to fend off allergens, researchers suggested.

2) Sanitizers can increase absorption of harmful BPA

The study also suggests that triclosan, one of the main ingredients in Hand sanitizers, may be harmful, and can increase the body’s absorption of bisphenol A, commonly called BPA.

3) Hand Sanitizers may contribute to the development of “super bugs”

While sanitizers are intended to be used to ward off bacterial infection, multiple studies have shown that use of these products has led to bacteria becoming resistant to those products, making these bugs more difficult to eradicate using previously effective measures. Thus, hand sanitizers do nothing to kill drug-resistant bugs like MRSA, and may, in fact, be helping these “super bugs” proliferate instead, according to the research.

4) Some sanitizers contain phthalates and parabens.

According to researchers, phthalates and parabens can interrupt normal function of the body’s endocrine system, just like BPA, leading to early onset of puberty and increased incidence of obesity and even cancer.

5) Even alcohol-based sanitizers can be dangerous in the wrong hands

Some products use alcohol, which is more effective as a sanitizer and is safer for human health than triclosan-based products when used as directed. However, products with a high alcohol content can pose a serious danger in homes where children could fall victim to alcohol poisoning.

While not all commercial cleaners are harmful, you need to take an active interest in the products you rely on to keep yourself and your family safe.

Making your own natural hand sanitizer is definitely a safer solution. Try one of these gentle yet effective alternatives to commercial hand sanitizers:

Mix one teaspoon of organic vinegar vinegar, One teaspoon of liquid Castile soap, One teaspoon of vitamin E oil, and Six ounces of water.
Stir this mixture together and pour it into a spritzing bottle.

If you prefer a gel sanitizer to a liquid spray, aloe vera gel can help you to get clean hands naturally.

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