Is Antibacterial Hand Soap Effective?
With cruise ships experiencing massive outbreaks of germ-caused illnesses — 2006 saw nearly double the number seen in previous years — it’s pretty easy to fall under the spell of antibacterial products, but the Harvard Newsletter claims good old soap and water is still the gold standard.
The problem isn’t the product; it’s that people don’t dry their hands thoroughly, leaving a fertile ground for germs. Further worry is that excessive use of antibacterial soap could contribute to the development antibiotic-resistant super germs.
Alcohol-based sanitizers often evaporate before coming into contact with every part of the hand, leaving them less effective than soap. Alcohol also doesn’t kill everything either. [source: Your Health]
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