DR. LOMAX
Hand sanitizers as a general matter
were created to be a convenient, safe and
effective way to wash your hands without
the need for soap and water. In theory this
is a great idea, but unfortunately, you are
indeed right to be concerned as most hand
sanitizers contain things such as chemical
fragrances, parabens, triclosan and alcohol.
Parabens are commonly found in hand
sanitizers and other personal care products
e.g. body wash, soaps, shampoo and lotions
etc. Some of the common names of parabens
are: methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylpar-
aben and propylparaben. They are generally
added to these products in order to mini-
mize the growth of bacteria. Parabens have
been suspected of causing problems with the
endocrine and reproductive systems, toxicity
to the immune system and cancer.
Triclosan is a chemical also typically
added to personal care products, soaps
and cleaning products in order to mini-
mize the levels of bacteria. Recent research
on Triclosan has shown that it can also be
potentially harmful to humans. It negatively
affects the immune and endocrine systems
and is also contributing to the development
of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Alcohol either isopropyl, ethyl or a
combination of both is a commonly used
active ingredient in hand sanitizers as an
antiseptic. The concentration of which is
usually high e.g. 60-90% if not greater,
which can lead to alcohol poisoning if
ingested. There have been several reports of
teenagers intentionally ingesting hand sani-
tizers in an attempt to intoxicate themselves,
which led to alcohol poisoning. Similar
reports have been documented regarding
accidental ingestion of hand sanitizers by
young children as well, which as one can
imagine could be catastrophic.
Antibacterial hand sanitizers also often
contain synthetic fragrances which gener-
ally contain chemicals such as phthalates
whi