WARNING - Over Sanitization For Covid, back to soap and water

[Curt]

We have become a dirt and bacteria conscious society cleaning everything in sight. Some sanitize their hands if they touch a dollar, others to shake a hand, etc. Covid amplified those behaviors and now we have a real problem, the overuse of chemical cleaners. We have forgotten that God as creature gave us a VERY powerful immune system that is capable of handling a lot more than we give it credit. By not exercising the immune system and over protecting ourselves we are actually becoming less protected than we could be as the immune system does not build enough pictures of the foreign bodies to protect us in time of need. So its a critical balance. Plain soap and water from time to time or as appropriate is still a sound recommendation.

Disinfectant Disaster: Scientists Warn of Health Risks From Popular COVID Cleaners and Hand Sanitizers

https://scitechdaily.com/disinfectant-disaster-scientists-warn-of-health-risks-from-popular-covid-cleaners-and-hand-sanitizers/

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the use of antimicrobial chemicals known as quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), which are linked to health issues, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental harm, according to a critical review by over two dozen scientists in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. QACs are found in disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers, and other products, and their overuse has been found to be unnecessary or even harmful in many cases.

Human studies have found associations between QACs and asthma, dermatitis, and inflammation. Laboratory animal studies also raise concerns about potential links to infertility, birth defects, and more. Further, there has been evidence dating back to the 1950s that QACs contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making certain bacteria species resistant both to QACs themselves and to critical antibiotics.

[rahab]

Those sanitizers leave a film on surfaces. 

[Richard Myers]

Thanks for sharing Brother Curt.  Somewhere around ten years ago there was a concern about these hand sanitizers. I threw away some bottles I had. I use them on the handles of shopping carts, but seldom use the on my hands.

As for soap and water, I think it necessary to keep our hands clean before eating or preparing food. I shower daily with soap. I question the use of shampoo to the degree it is being used. Many think it necessary to shampoo hair twice.  It was pointed out to me some years ago that it was a good marketing ploy to sell twice as much hair shampoo.  And, there are times when we are working and expose our hands to things that need to be removed.  And, going one step further, when buying organic food make sure that the food is rinsed thoroughly. Same with commercial produce. Both may have dangerous contaminants on the surface. E.coli is one concern on organics and pesticides on commercial produce.

When seeking to understand the use of soap, I was educated by a doctor friend. Soap is necessary to remove oil from our skin. The skin, our largest organ, has thousands of pores from which toxins are excreted. If not removed, they re-enter the blood stream and have to be filtered by the liver and kidneys. Thus the importance of bathing frequently. Soap is necessary that the oil which does not mix with water can be removed. Soap can attach to both fat and water molecules.The soap molecule has two different ends, one that is hydrophobic (repellent to water) that binds with grease and oil, while the hydrophilic (water-attracting) end binds with water molecules, so it can be rinsed away.

There was a trend in Europe 50 or so years ago when they quit using soap thinking it was harmful to their health.  One more thought. Washing machines are designed to use less and less water. This can be a serious problem when strong chemicals are being used to clean our clothes and are not rinsed out. I always use a second rinse and try to use as little soap as possible. And as I am able, I hang my clothes rather than using the dryer. Sun will help to purify our clothes naturally.

[rahab]

Good advice
Thank you

[Curt]

 thanks so much Brother Richard. You are so full of information and wisdom I do glean from you 

two great points

• Soap in body cleanliness
  Less water in Washing machines

Our body secretions are for the most part water soluble. We do need some soap for the secretions which also combine with dust from the atmosphere, but how much oil is actually secreted through the skin I do not know. I always wondered about it. I must look that up. But yes, we should use soap for the bath.

Modern machines are being made to be more environmentally efficient in terms of both water use and power consumption. A second rince is good although it sort of defeats "their" objective. Changing the type of soap is another option. I visited a health facility Eden Pointe in Georgia (https://edenpointe.live/) they have trialed and continue to use an oxygen attachment to their washing machine that reduced the need to use soap. My wife and I were sceptical of it but tried it at their accommodations and the result was surprisingly clean. I do not have a name or description of the product. They can be contacted.