According to a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan, published in the Journal of Food Protection, the use of hot water and antimicrobial soap when washing hands has no special meaning.
«Literature on hand washing, although extensive, often contains inconsistent data and key variables continue to be studied or not studied,» — the authors explained the motivation for their research. «Guidelines for handwashing do not have scientific support, and agree with each other is limited.»
The study found that only 5% of Americans wash their hands correctly. The analysis was conducted on the basis of the observation procedure by the people in various public places. But what is meant by correctness in this case?
The basics of proper hand washing
Hand washing takes a long time. The procedure should take more than 20 seconds. Researchers recommend at this time singing to myself the song «Happy birthday to you» two or more times.
The temperature of water when washing hands does not matter, it is not necessary to wash your hands in warm or hot water.
On the quality of washing does not influence the kind of soap that you use, the main thing that it was. It can be liquid or solid soap, antifungal or antibacterial, with cream and without. However, there is a difference between antimicrobial and antibacterial products. «Although antibacterial products, including Soaps, and prevent the development of bacteria, antimicrobial products such as disinfectants based on alcohol, prevents the spreading not only bacteria, but fungi, and some viruses,» — said in the study. So after you wash your hands treat your hands with a special antimicrobial gel.
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