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Are sanitizers like Habit Hand Sanitizer which use alcohol to kill germs preferable to those using benzalkonium chloride or triclosan?

April 26, 2017alcohol benzalkonium chloride germs habit hand kill preferable sanitizer sanitizers

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Are sanitizers like Habit Hand Sanitizer which use alcohol to kill germs preferable to those using benzalkonium chloride or triclosan?

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The Mayo Clinic (2007) recommends consumers use only alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and never “waterless” products which use benzalkonium chloride or triclosan, which may lead to “super germs”. The United States CDC (2001) reports that the recent increase of surface antibacterial agents or biocides into healthy households may contribute to the resistance problem (to germs), and specifically mentions benzalkonium chloride and triclosan as chemicals that may promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viruses, such as recent virulent MRSA strains. The CDC also reports that concern is irrelevant with (germ-killing) substances that do not leave residues (e.g., alcohols, bleaches, and peroxides).