WAGING A WAR ON GERMS

From toys to pump-style soaps, Americans are waging war on germs with anti-bacterial products that are designed to keep us healthy.

But do they work?

Health experts say the products can kill some germs. The active ingredient in most anti-bacterial products is Triclosan, which can kill staphylococcus, E. Coli and salmonella.

But the products won't replace hand washing, local health officials say.

"Eventually, you need to wash your hands," said Pam Joggerst, infection control coordinator at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Joggerst constantly preaches proper hand washing to the hospital's employees. "They hear it all the time."

Joggerst believes anti-bacterial products are largely a marketing ploy. She said there isn't any definitive evidence yet to show that these products actually keep you healthier.

American consumers, she said, buy these products because there is so much public concern now about germs and flesh-eating bacteria.

"We are really buying out of fear," she said.

The products have proved popular. Anti-bacterial products make up about 30 percent of the $2.1 billion hand, dish and bath soap market.

Anti-bacterial protection is included in everything from cleaning sprays to cat litter.

"We are a quick-fix society," said Joggerst. Americans like the idea of slapping on anti-bacterial gel without having to stop and wash their hands.

But she said such products aren't as effective as washing with soap and water.

People should wash their hands for 10 to 15 seconds. "The average person washes his or her hands for three seconds," Joggerst said.

"We usually say, if you whistle "Yankee Doodle" one time, you go through 10 or 15 seconds," she said.

Anti-bacterial products kill both bad germs and good ones, she said. "We have good things that live on our skin and they protect us."

Overuse of the products also could create more resistant germs, Joggerst said.

"Every time you make stronger and stronger chemicals, you may be making stronger and stronger bugs," she said.

Joggerst said nothing replaces common sense.

People shouldn't share food. Wiping computer keyboards with alcohol can help prevent the spread of germs.

At home, a family shouldn't share bathroom towels. "A lot of times, people don't share that simple thing," she said.

Like Joggerst, Diane Gregory preaches the merits of hand washing. Gregory is a public health specialist with the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center.

"I am a bit skeptical of some of those gels or lotions," she said.

"You get more dirt off when you do a good lather and rub," she said. The rubbing helps remove dirt.

Gregory said the state Health Department doesn't accept anti-bacterial gels as a substitute for hand washing in restaurants.

Gregory inspects area restaurants to see that they are complying with state health regulations. She said sanitizing products aren't effective if the counter top or other surface isn't clean.