Hi Brian,

There is a lot of information out there about how our use of antibacterial soaps, cleaners, etc. are actually causing more harm than good. Below are a couple of excerpts from the following CDC link:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol7no3_supp/levy.htm

"The recent entry of products containing antibacterial agents into healthy households has escalated from a few dozen products in the mid-1990s to more than 700 today. Antibacterial products were developed and have been successfully used to prevent transmission of disease-causing microorganisms among patients, particularly in hospitals. They are now being added to products used in healthy households, even though an added health benefit has not been demonstrated. Scientists are concerned that the antibacterial agents will select bacteria resistant to them and cross-resistant to antibiotics. Moreover, if they alter a person's microflora, they may negatively affect the normal maturation of the T helper cell response of the immune system to commensal flora antigens; this change could lead to a greater chance of allergies in children. As with antibiotics, prudent use of these products is urged. Their designated purpose is to protect vulnerable patients.

Besides resistance, the antibacterial craze has another potential consequence. Reports are mounting about a possible association between infections in early childhood and decreased incidence of allergies (18). In expanding this "hygiene hypothesis," some researchers have found a correlation between too much hygiene and increased allergy (18-21). This hypothesis stems from studies that revealed an increased frequency of allergies, cases of asthma, and eczema in persons who have been raised in an environment overly protective against microorganisms. In one rural community, children who grew up on farms had fewer allergies than did their counterparts who did not live on farms (19). Graham Rook, University College, London, has likened the immune system to the brain. You have to exercise it, that is, expose it to the right antigenic information so that it matures correctly. Excessive hygiene, therefore, may interfere with the normal maturation of the immune system by eliminating the stimulation by commensal microflora (20). 

For normal maturation, the immune system must be stimulated to achieve the right balance between the T-helper 1 (TH-1) cells providing cellular immunity and the TH-2 cells promoting antibody production. When investigators examined people with allergies and eczema, they noted an imbalance between TH-2 and TH-1 activities as compared with the mechanisms in control groups. In those with allergies, antibody production predominated over cell-mediated responses. Other studies showed a correlation between the presence of an immune response to organisms contracted by the oral-fecal route and decreased likelihood of atopy. In those persons who demonstrated a prior exposure to one, two, or all three of the organisms tested (Toxoplasma gondii, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis A virus), the odds ratio for allergy became substantially lower than that seen in the control group. This correlation was not found for prior contact with organisms causing infections by other routes (e.g., mumps, measles, varicella). The authors concluded that "hygiene and a westernized, semi-sterile diet may facilitate atopy by influencing the overall pattern of commensals and pathogens that stimulate the gut-associated lymphoid tissue ...". Of note, children vaccinated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin appeared to be protected as well against atopy, and this finding was also related to stimulation of the TH-1 response. The combined data led one group to conclude that an "antigenically rich (dirty) environment may be essential for normal immune maturation preventing atopic disease". 

Antibiotics may also be implicated in the hygiene hypothesis. Because they eliminate common bacteria, antibiotics may cause the same consequence as too much hygiene. Some infants begin to get antibiotics as soon as a few days after birth. They mature in an antibiotic-laden environment. What antigens do they confront daily? What kind of immune response are they developing? 

We must think not just in terms of resistance but also in terms of the changes in the microbial ecology of our infants and our homes. We exist in the bacterial world, not bacteria in ours. Unfortunately, we believe that we can rid ourselves of bacteria when, in fact, we cannot. Instead, we should "make peace" with them. Although we need to control pathogens when they cause disease, we do not have to engage in a full-fledged "war" against the microbial world. Improved antibiotic use, including shorter treatments and removal of improper usage, will encourage the return of antibiotic-susceptible, commensal flora and return the environment to what it was before the antibiotic/antibacterial onslaught."

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Brian Ellis
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:06 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] Hand Sanitizer and PCB Assembly

I'm  of the opinion that over-cleanliness is as bad as, if not worse than, under-cleanliness at a germ level. If your immune system is not trained to the local strains of E. coli or salmonella, when you come in contact with a few bacteria on the salad in a chic restaurant or elsewhere, you will get the full benefit of a day or two enthroned. 
Merde alors! You must have exposure to bugs to be healthy.

I remember reading about an experiment during the Viet Nam war. A non-combatant unit was split into two equal groups of volunteers, one of which could shower as often as they liked, minimum daily, the other half could shower once every third day. The troops had to report every health abnormality, even minor, as well as those on sick parade. The "dirty" 
lot reported far fewer bo-bos and serious problems than the "clean" lot (can't remember the statistics, but they were quite significant). After a few weeks, the "dirty" lot no longer exhibited undue BO, either, showing that the skin flora causing fermentation in/around the sweat glands do not have a chance to be eliminated naturally with frequent washing. This was confirmed in the UK army: some units in hot climates had shower facilities once a week and BO was not a general problem (there were a few odd bods who were smelly from "nervous sweat", as opposed to honest-to-goodness hard labour sweat).

I think there is probably an optimum balance which may vary between individuals, but there is a tendency to go OTT with personal hygiene.

Brian

Ken Bloomquist wrote:
> Hi Karen,
> 
> You wrote: "I've always found hand sanitizer superfluous, just washing 
> ones hands with soap and water kills most germs."
> 
> I agree that in the work environment you are probably correct but I 
> think that hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are good when you 
> are out in public and can't readily wash your hands. I usually keep a 
> small bottle in my car and an even smaller one in my pocket.
> 
> KennyB
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Karen Tellefsen [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 6:43 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [TN] Hand Sanitizer and PCB Assembly
> 
> Purell:
> 
> Ingredients:
> Active Ingredients: Contains: Ethyl Alcohol (62%)
> 
> Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Propylene 
> Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Carbomer, Fragrance
> (parfum)
> 
> 
> The glycerin and propylene glycol would concern me, they're both 
> hydrophillic.  The ethanol in the active ingredient, maybe a mixture 
> of 60% ethanol 35% water 5% isopropanol ( to make it undrinkable, but 
> safe enough for topical use) would be better around  circuit boards.  
> It would tend to dry the users' hands, but would not help to 
> contaminate circuit boards.
> 
> I've always found hand sanitizer superfluous, just washing ones hands 
> with soap and water kills most germs.
> 
> 
> Karen Tellefsen - Electrical Testing
> [log in to unmask]
> 908-791-3069
> 
> 
> 
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