How Hand Sanitizers Increase the Chance of Cancer

Hand sanitizers are a go-to item for cleaning your hand especially when you’re mobile. It’s a quick and effective way of shielding yourself from catching illnesses brought by the germs that our hand acquire throughout the day.

Or is it? 

It was reported that the use of hand sanitizers causes more harm than protection. Triclosan, an active ingredient in hand sanitizers, is capable of quickly being absorbed into the skin and entering the bloodstream. When this happens, various complications could be developed. The study in Norwegian Institute of Public Health has reported that the said component actually contributes to an increased allergy development among children and potentially makes it even worse as well. There is also evidence that it may also lower the body’s ability to fight off bacteria and viruses. Triclosan actually kills of all the good bacteria which also makes it easier for antibiotic resistant diseases to flourish.

In the study published in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology, suggests that Triclosan also promotes the growth of breast cancer cells. Researchers tested the effects of the chemical on mice and found out that the chemicals interfered with cancer growth genes — causing cancer cell proliferation in the petri dishes and larger tumors on the mice.

Hand sanitizers also increase the absorption of Bisephanol A (BPA), which is a chemical used in the production of almost all hard plastics. Essentially, it imitates human hormones in a way that disrupts the body’s endocrine system. Studies link high amounts of BPA to hormone disorders, heart disease, cancer, infertility and diabetes. 

So before squirting another dose of hand sanitizer, consider the effects that some of its ingredients may cause. Better safe than sorry.