Everything You EVER Wanted to Know about Hand Sanitzers

Well...not really. But if you, like me, are a parent and have some basic concerns about keeping your kids healthy this coming cold and flu season....then you'll probably find some food for thought in today's post.

Right now, across the country, parents, grandparents, and teachers are dashing to their local Target or Walmart to pick up giant packs of hand sanitizers. These handy, purse-sized bottles are so easy to whip out at any sign of dirt, germs, and various types of child-produced effluvia that in some circles, they've all but replaced traditional soap and water. And given the widespread concerns about H1N1, I suspect more people than usual are loading up on Purell and similar products. All this in spite of:

.....the fact that a two-ounce bottle of alchohol-based hand sanitizer contains as much ethanol as four shots of vodka
.....the fact that alchohol-based hand sanitizer is (also thanks to the ethanol) highly flammable. Even a small amount, if ignited, burns quickly and at a high temperature.
.....the fact that most hand sanitizers (and, sadly, some toothpastes and any product treated with anti-bacterial solution -- kid's lunchbags are a prime example) contain triclosan. Lab studies link triclosan to cancer, developmental defects, and liver and lung toxicity. (for more info on triclosan, where its commonly found, and how you can avoid it, read this).

So what's a girl to do?

1) Go old school and embrace hand washing. Various studies agree you are just as (if not more) likely to remove germs from your hands by washing with soap and water as you are with a hand sanitizer.

2) Soap and water not handy? Well, there are a few "natural" sanitizers on the market that work just as well as the "big lable" sanitizers. For an alchohol and triclosan-free sanitizer, try CleanWell. I've been using this product for years...it's safe for kids, comes in purse-sized wipes and sprays, and is available at Target. You can also try EO Hand Sanitizer which is triclosan-free but still contains achohol (so keep it away from the kiddies).

3) On a budget and tired of paying through the nose for upscale, non-chemical and alchohol-based sanitizers? Well, why not go super old school and make your own. Say what? Yeah, sounds a little kooky...but sit back my friend and prepare for a little history lesson.

Back in the 15th century, a band of thieves apparently made a living by robbing dead and dying plague victims. They were eventually captured and brought to trial. The magistrate was prepared to be leniant if the men would explain how they managed to rob so many plague victims without getting sick themselves. Turns out these fellows had perfume and spice trade connections which led them to concoct a special oil made of herbs and spices which they would rub on their hands prior to and just after each job. The oil became known as thieves oil and the rest is history.

Or at least it some of it is. Because in a few accounts I've read, the magistrate/king who interviewed these fellows was none other than King James (a la King James Bible). But last I checked, he wasn't alive and kicking during the 1400s.....hmmm. Whatever. Bottom line is, thieves oil has been around for a long time and has been in use for hundreds of years as a topical anti-bacterial ointment. Don't buy it? Check out what the New York Times has to say about cinnamon, a key ingredient of thieves oil. Oh, and more about thieves oil here and a few recipes.

4) Not really interested in concocting a medieval hand sanitizer in the comfort of your own home? (I mean, let's face it, if thieves oil were really so fabulous, why the hell did so many people continue to drop dead from various plagues and poxes after it was discovered? Ok, aside from poor sanitation, poor nutrition, and total ignorance about health and wellness.) Well, in less time and with less ingredients, you can try this recipe in a pinch.

Happy hand sanitizing!