dari mayoclinic.com Membantu kita utk. mengetahui apa yang ada dibalik label produk2 anti-kuman, anti-bakteri, dll. Dan bahwa cuci tangan secara sederhana saja sudah membantu menghindarkan diri dari kuman. ----------------- Do you have what it takes to fight germs? August 21 1997 Some people fear germs so much they avoid touching bathroom doors; they pull their sleeve down over their hand so as not to touch pay phones or automatic teller machines (ATMs). They're reluctant to shake people's hands. Such excessive fear of germs has helped feed a trend in 'antibacterial' soaps, cleaning products and even toys. It's no wonder that antibacterial soaps are a $1 billion-a-year business. Hardly a week goes by without stories of deadly viruses, food-poisoning outbreaks and "super bugs" resistant to antibiotics. We must need something "powerful" to stop these microscopic invaders from causing us harm, right? Actually, no. All we really need is appropriate use of ordinary soap and water. "Nothing beats diligent handwashing with soap and water when it comes to fighting bacteria," states Frank R. Cockerill, M.D., a microbiologist and infectious disease expert at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. "Many people today have an irrational fear of germs and the market is responding to that fear with a wide range of 'antibacterial' products." "Virtually all soaps have an 'antibacterial effect,'" Dr. Cockerill says. "Soaps � antibacterial or not � help eliminate germs both by 'washing them away' and by disrupting the cell walls of bacteria, making it difficult for them to multiply." He cautions that while antibacterial soaps may claim to keep hands "cleaner" longer with the addition of an antibacterial compound, the scientific evidence to suggest just how much protection is offered, or for how long, is lacking. What are 'antibacterial' products? Antibacterial products currently include hand soaps and lotions; facial cleansers; dishwashing soaps; kitchen and bathroom cleaners; sponges; cutting boards, countertops and kitchen appliances; pillows, sheets and mattress pads; kitty litter; children's toys; socks and athletic shoes; and toothbrushes and toothpastes. The active ingredient in most antibacterial products is triclosan, an agent that damages the cell walls of bacteria, slowing their ability to multiply. Some products contain ethyl and/or isopropyl alcohol, antiseptics which also inhibit the growth of bacteria. Antibacterial toys are made of plastic that contains triclosan. The sponges contain ingredients to eliminate bacteria on the sponge itself, to prevent germs from being spread to surfaces. There are also appliances made of metal coated with antibacterial agents. Handwashing wins hands down Do these products offer greater protection against germ-related illnesses? Not really. Antibacterial products (if used at all) should be used in addition to diligent handwashing and other sanitary practices. Viruses, not bacteria, are what cause colds and influenza, and 'antibacterial' products don't kill viruses. Nor do they necessarily kill disease-causing fungi and parasites. Most germs do not live long outside the body, although a few can live for days or weeks. Germs can live on surfaces, but this is not a common way of spreading disease. You can be exposed to harmful bacteria from fecal material or from meat contaminated with fecal material. Vigorously washing your hands removes harmful bacteria, such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, E. coli and salmonella. These bacteria can cause illnesses such as skin infections, strep throat and food poisoning. To wash your hands well, rub your hands together vigorously with soap for 10 seconds and rinse with water. (The temperature of the water makes less difference; it's how scrupulously you wash.) Take your time. Let the water run long enough to carry away dirt and oils. (Soap works by suspending germs in water so they can be rinsed off.) Respiratory viruses are spread primarily person-to-person. A person with a cold coughs into his hand and immediately shakes the hand of another person; that person then rubs her eyes or nose, and the virus has a new home. Again, handwashing � regardless of what kind of soap is used � is what will protect you. Also using common sense � such as not sharing food, drinks or eating utensils when you have a cold or flu and thoroughly cooking meat � do more to protect than use of any antibacterial product. For household cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom, ordinary cleaners (ammonia, bleach, chlorine) kill germs as effectively as more expensive antibacterial products. Dr. Cockerill suggests cleaning up food spills immediately and washing dish towels and sponges everyday. "I recommend putting sponges, cleaning brushes and dish cloths right in the dishwasher when you run it," he adds. "The important thing is to not let rags stay wet � an environment conducive to bacteria growth � and then continue to use them." Are antibacterial products ever more useful? Antibacterial soaps may offer greater protection than regular soaps if you have an open cut or sore on your hand that could become infected or if you are immune-compromised. They also have a place in hospitals, restaurants and child care centers, where the level of sanitation must be at its highest. (Also, bacteria grow in soap dishes, so consider using liquid soap in a dispenser.) The downside is that antibacterial soaps are more concentrated than regular soaps, so they may be harsher to those with sensitive skin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also concerned about the small but very real potential that overuse of antibacterial products could lead to new strains of resistant bacteria. The irony there would be that products created to fight "super bugs" could actually help create them. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees use of triclosan in plastic products. The agency has found the products to be safe for consumers. However, several manufacturers have been told to stop making bold claims that their products actually protect people from infectious diseases caused by bacteria. "Antibacterial products reduce counts of bacteria on the surface of the products themselves," Dr. Cockerill explains, "but that doesn't guarantee you won't ever get ill if you use them." Not all germs are bad However, no matter what kind of soap you use, you'll never be able to kill every single germ on your hands. Beyond handwashing, your best defense against viruses and bacteria is your skin and your body's immune system. Some bacteria are actually helpful; they reside on our skin or inside our gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria are necessary to fight other bacteria, and some simply prepare us for more virulent strains by building up our resistance. Your best defense, then, against fighting germs is actually something money can't buy: common sense. Wash your hands! -- O _/)(\_ |~ Salam, /~~\ o' |~ Rien. /_ _\ o' ^ ^ >>>> 2.5 Mbps InternetShop >> InternetZone << Margonda Raya 340 <<<< >> Kirim bunga ke-20 kota di Indonesia? Klik, http://www.indokado.com >> Info balita, http://www.balita-anda.indoglobal.com Etika berinternet, email ke: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Stop berlangganan, e-mail ke: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
