As I see more and more of the foam-type sanitizers being put out in public places. Knowing that the foam is designed to use less of the product, I've wondered how effective these are. I always use my gel when I can and only if there is no soap and water available.
I've never been sure about using body-cleansing products containing triclosan, either. Thinking we are protected when we aren't is worse than being unprotected, imo.
Here are 2 recent findings:
Foam hand sanitizers:
Conclusions
When using 62% ethanol foams, the time required for dryness often exceeds the recommended 30 s. Therefore, only a small volume is likely to be applied in clinical practice. Small amounts, however, failed to meet the efficacy requirements of EN 1500 and were only somewhat more effective than water.
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/10/78
Medical News Today has a good article about the foam sanitizers:
[snip]
"The data suggests we have a false sense of security with regard to the level of bacterial reduction provided when using 62 percent foam hand sanitizers," said Kampf, who is a member of the German Association for Infection Control and a lecturer at the Ernst Moritz University in Germany. "Practically, it is very difficult to use these appropriately, so we may be fooling ourselves a bit with regard to hand hygiene efforts when using such products. This should be a wake up call to the infection prevention community."
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/183987.php
Then, from the FDA on triclosan:
Triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It may be found in products such as clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys. It also may be added to antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics—products regulated by the FDA.
At this time, the agency does not have evidence that triclosan in antibacterial soaps and body washes provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm205999.htm
I've never been sure about using body-cleansing products containing triclosan, either. Thinking we are protected when we aren't is worse than being unprotected, imo.
Here are 2 recent findings:
Foam hand sanitizers:
Conclusions
When using 62% ethanol foams, the time required for dryness often exceeds the recommended 30 s. Therefore, only a small volume is likely to be applied in clinical practice. Small amounts, however, failed to meet the efficacy requirements of EN 1500 and were only somewhat more effective than water.
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/10/78
Medical News Today has a good article about the foam sanitizers:
[snip]
"The data suggests we have a false sense of security with regard to the level of bacterial reduction provided when using 62 percent foam hand sanitizers," said Kampf, who is a member of the German Association for Infection Control and a lecturer at the Ernst Moritz University in Germany. "Practically, it is very difficult to use these appropriately, so we may be fooling ourselves a bit with regard to hand hygiene efforts when using such products. This should be a wake up call to the infection prevention community."
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/183987.php
Then, from the FDA on triclosan:
Triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It may be found in products such as clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys. It also may be added to antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics—products regulated by the FDA.
At this time, the agency does not have evidence that triclosan in antibacterial soaps and body washes provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm205999.htm