Hand Sanitizer Drawbacks

Hand sanitizers may reduce illnesses in households, schools and businesses, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They do, however, have several drawbacks. If you use hand sanitizers, you should learn about these potential disadvantages to determine the proper place and time to use these products.

Poisoning Risk for Children

Since most hand sanitizers contain a high concentration of alcohol, ingesting just an ounce or two can be fatal to a small child. Children may be more likely to ingest hand sanitizers that have a pleasant scent, but any hand sanitizer poses a risk. Schools, day care facilities and parents of young children should always store hand sanitizers out of the reach of children and should seek immediate medical attention in case of accidental ingestion.

Varying Effectiveness

Although some people mistakenly conclude that all hand sanitizer products have similar effectiveness, this is not the case, according to an alert letter on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. The Food and Drug Administration recommends using hand sanitizers that contain 60 to 95 percent ethanol or isopropanol. Someone who is unaware of the FDA's recommendation might purchase a hand sanitizer containing an alcohol concentration of 40 percent or less, without realizing that these products do not work as effectively as those with a higher alcohol content.

Does Not Replace Hand-Washing

Although hand sanitizers can effectively kill germs and bacteria, they usually do not cut through dirt, grime, feces, blood or other bodily fluids very well, notes Deborah Franklin in her article "Hand Sanitizers, Good or Bad?" published on the New York Times website. Hand sanitizers may be useful when you have no access to soap and water, but you should not use sanitizers as a substitute.

Possibility of Antibiotic Resistance

The use of hand sanitizers and other antibacterial products could potentially cause certain types of bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics, suggests Stier Caitlin in his article "Antimicrobial Nation: The Benefits and Drawbacks of the Domestic War on Germs," published on the Journal of Young Investigators website. This may make treating certain illnesses more difficult in the future. Scientific research regarding this issue is ongoing as of October 2010, and the debate among scientists and researchers regarding how and when we should sanitize is unresolved. Consumers should do their own research about this issue to make informed decisions about whether or not to use hand sanitizers and other antibacterial products.