Instant hand soaps catch on

By MARY JORDAN
Collegian Staff Writer

In an age where sterilization is becoming a necessity in anyone's home, instant antibacterial hand soaps are no exception to the trend of disinfection.

The negative image the media lends to microorganisms is leading to the proliferation of antibacterial products, such as the "dissolve in your hand without water" soap which has been on the shelf for a few years.

"I think there's this paranoia about using disinfectants," said Penn State microbiology instructor Carl Sillman.

The instant antibacterial hand soaps sold in stores are not proven to be effective, but whether the products work may not be the issue.

"I don't know if it works, but it makes me feel better," Jocelyn Uhl (senior-journalism) said.

Some think the product is popular because it meets society's needs.

"It's a matter of convenience," said Phil McIntyre, pharmacist at McLanahan's Drug Store, 116 W. College Ave.

The ease with which the product can be used does not necessarily make it better than traditional soap and water. But Sillman believes although the product may not fight all organisms, it could help.

"The ones I've seen have been alcohol-based, so I think they work to some extent," he said, adding alcohol is often used to disinfect instruments.

However, alcohol is not proven to kill all bacteria.

Shena Sturm, pharmacist at CVS Pharmacy in Nittany Mall, said she used alcohol in her laboratory classes at college.

"We still grew plenty of organisms in our petri dishes even after pouring a bottle of alcohol on them," she said.

Regardless of whether the alcohol contained in the instant antibacterial soap actually kills organisms, Sillman believes people buy it because of the fear of microorganisms.

While the debate over product effectiveness may continue for years to come, some are content as long as authorities use it.

Maura Rynn (junior-communication disorders) said she volunteered at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center, last semester and they had dispensers of the soap in the hallways in case someone didn't have time to wash with soap and water.

"If it's good enough for a hospital, it's good enough for me," she said.