Due to the microscopic size of germs, our eyes fail to detect these pesky microscopic organisms even though we are in constant contact with them in our daily lives. Germs are able to infect a person with a variety of illnesses that ranges from a simple cold to gastroenteritis, a severe intestinal infection. These sneaky organisms have the ability to be airborne, waterborne, and/or foodborne pathogens, meaning that they are able to spread through the air, water, and/or food. Direct contact with contaminated surfaces also contributes to the transmission of germs, and problems arise when a person has no access to soap and water after such contact. This is where the hand sanitizer plays its role. Originally created for healthcare facilities, the hand sanitizer functions as a convenient disinfecting gel to be used when soap and water were not available for doctors and nurses. You may have seen this statement on the container: “Kills 99.99% of Germs.” Although it is undeniable that hand sanitizers do indeed have disinfecting properties, does it truly kill 99.99% of the germs found on any types of surfaces? Even if it does, what happens to the remaining 00.01% of the germs?

Turns out, there are many factors that contribute to the effectiveness of this disinfecting gel. Studies have shown that hand sanitizers with a higher concentration of alcohol are better at disinfecting surfaces than hand sanitizers with a lower concentration of alcohol. This is due to a chemical process that occurs as alcohol comes into contact with germs. The alcohol molecules would dissolve the outer cell membrane of the bacteria/virus and penetrate through its cytoplasm, rendering the pathogen useless as its inner cell structure is destroyed. Therefore, the higher the concentration of alcohol, the more pathogens destroyed. Although hand sanitizers with a high alcohol concentration may sound very useful, the constant exposure to alcohol can lead to cracks and dryness on the skin. This would, in fact, make it easier for the pathogens to enter a person’s body due to the lack of protection from the skin. Furthermore, the effects of hand sanitizers are proven to decrease on visibly filthy, greasy hands. Disinfection is only able to reach 99.99% on surfaces that are only slightly filthy.

The only way to completely disinfect your hands is by washing them in warm water with soap for at least twenty seconds. Let us all remember to wash our hands regularly to keep the pesky germs away from our healthy body!