Rethinking Hand Sanitizers

Back-to-school season is just around the corner, and with that comes the easy spread of colds and viruses. As a precaution, some parents stock up on hand sanitizers so that during the school day children can keep harmful germs at bay.

Yet many hand sanitizers contain triclosan, an anti-bacterial chemical that the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy group, says may disrupt thyroid function. And that's not all. Triclosan may also encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics, says the American Medical Association.

What's more, Port Washington-based Grassroots Environmental Education warns that triclosan could cause allergic reactions, disrupt the endocrine system and possibly induce early puberty, boosting the risk of breast cancer.

"The chemicals in most – non natural ones – cause toxicity to the body, and contain cancer-causing ingredients and skin irritants," said Cathleen Cuneo, an owner of Port Washington-based NicA Aromatherapy Essentials, a manufacturer of skin products made from all-natural products. 

"I tell clients to use alcohol in its purest form in a little spray bottle," said Donna Bridgette, who owns Beautiful Skin, on Port Washington Blvd. Alcohol, Bridgette pointed out, is typically an active ingredient in hand sanitizers, and can be used to sanitize door knobs, book bags, shoelaces and other surfaces where germs can accumulate. It can also be sprayed on hands. Plus, it's a lot less expensive than hand sanitizers. Asked about whether alcohol is drying to the skin, Bridgette pointed out that it "evaporates in a moment."

For those who do find alcohol drying or irritating to the skin, Cuneo recommends finding products made of aloe leaf or tea tree oil. 

Parents can also check EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, which rates products and their toxicity. For example, CleanWell, whose products are available online and at Whole Foods Markets, were rated "low hazard."

The best remedy to safeguard against harmful germs? Plain soap and water.