Are disinfectants dangerous?

Since it has become increasingly clear that disinfection is particularly essential for combating the new type of coronavirus, more and more products are coming onto the market that promise resounding success in disinfection. But which ingredients are really important for thorough hygiene? Are disinfectants dangerous? What things are essential to observe during use in order to exclude risks? We have the answers for you.

Hand disinfection is more important today than ever before

Hand hygiene was also important before the pandemic. Especially in hospitals, medical practices, retirement homes and catering businesses, hygiene is a daily priority. Since the novel coronavirus reached us, disinfection is now part of everyday life for all of us. Vials of disinfectant can be found in just about every car, handbag and bathroom. To protect against infection with SARS-CoV-2, regular cleaning is helpful, but the product must be at least limited virucidal and effective against enveloped viruses. However, like many things, disinfectant also has its drawbacks…

Dangers from disinfectants?

Time and again, experts in the fields of dermatology and the environment warn of the dangers of disinfectants. They are carcinogenic, allergy-promoting and lung-damaging. But at the same time, millions of doctors and nurses have to disinfect their hands several times a day. So what are the dangers of disinfectants now with moderate use in the home?

Can the use of hand sanitizer affect health?

In fact, disinfectants have side effects that should be well taken care of. This is because hand disinfectants contain a lot of alcohol, for example, which removes grease from the hands. If too little attention is paid to this factor, it can actually cause damage to health….

Disinfectant leads to dry skin

Lipids are important for skin health, especially for your hands. If the skin is now deprived of fat components by alcohol in disinfectants, the hands become dry. However, you can do something against this effect: use greasy hand creams, never combine hand washing and disinfection and, above all, do not disinfect too often. Dry hands are not bad at first, but in the long run, cracking, redness or irritation can occur – and even eczema and skin diseases. It is therefore necessary to directly prevent dry hands.

Too much disinfection can lead to resistance

Disinfectants with alcohol not only remove oil from the skin, but also attack the skin’s natural acid mantle. This reduces the proportion of good bacteria, and so “bad” bacteria can open the door to pathogens and resistance. The Consumer Center Hamburg even warns of resistance to antibiotics that can develop through excessive use of disinfectants. Don’t worry, if you disinfect your hands sparingly, it’s not likely yet.

Allergies due to too much hand disinfection

Yes, this can actually happen as well. Allergies are particularly apparent from disinfectants containing colorants and odorants. So if you know about your allergies, you should study the list of ingredients before buying. You are at risk for developing asthma, especially in jobs where you are frequently exposed to fumes from strong disinfectants. Ideally, you should ventilate the relevant rooms during or after the use of surface or instrument disinfectants and wear disposable gloves.

What should you look for in hand sanitizers?

Looking for an effective hand sanitizer against viruses such as influenza and coronavirus? Then you need a limited virucidal product. Since Corona has been ravaging our latitudes, the range of disinfectant activity has expanded to include the “limited virucidal plus” category. These products also say war on coronaviruses such as the novel SARS-CoV-2. The basis of many hand disinfectants are alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol. It is important to know that a high alcohol content is essential for effectiveness against germs. A disinfectant can only eradicate enveloped viruses if it contains 70 percent or more alcohol.

Guaranteed harmless hand disinfectant from Wiesenberg

Our disinfectant is completely harmless and represents a real innovation. At Wiesenberg, in addition to natural ingredients such as tea tree oil and litsea cubeba oil, we also process an exclusive care ingredient that protects your hands from drying out. Our disinfectant contains 70 percent ethanol, so it cleans but also provides a pampering moment thanks to the conditioning ingredient. Try our product and see for yourself!