Hand Sanitizers Are Hazardous to Your Health

In the darkest days of the pandemic, hand sanitizers were our trusty companions, promising safety and security. But what if I told you that these seemingly innocent germ-fighting gels might be posing a silent threat to your health? 

Brace yourself, because the journal Environmental Science & Technology has just unveiled a shocking revelation about a group of chemicals lurking in hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, solutions, and even on medical instruments.

The culprit behind this public health mystery are called quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). Now, you might be wondering, what's so bad about these chemical compounds? Well, hold onto your seats because the list of potential dangers is quite concerning.

The researchers have linked QACs to a range of health concerns, including asthma, dermatitis, and inflammation. That's just the tip of the iceberg; these compounds might even have connections to infertility and birth defects. It's a chilling prospect.

But there's more. QACs are also playing a role in weakening our resistance to microbial invaders. These invisible assailants were already claiming millions of lives annually long before the pandemic's arrival. The question now becomes, are hand sanitizers and the other products containing QACs inadvertently making us more vulnerable to these threats?

And as if that wasn't enough, the levels of QACs in our bodies and in the environment have been steadily climbing since the pandemic's onset. It's a silent invasion from products we assumed were protecting us from COVID19.

But here's the clincher: when it comes to protecting yourself from viruses and germs, QAC-laden hand sanitizers don't seem to offer any significant advantage over plain old soap and water. The very product you trusted to keep you safe might be exposing you to these unforeseen dangers, without any added benefit.

If you're part of a company, organization, or medical facility that relies on products containing QACs, it's crucial to heed this wake-up call. Share this blurb with the powers that be and also consider diving into the journal article to protect not only your health but the health of friends, family and those around you.
(Reported Northwestern, Fall 2023)