Kabupaten Gianyar based Utama Spice recently issued a public advisory on the possible hidden dangers of excessively using chemical-based hand sanitizers. They also highlight the effectiveness of natural essential oils in neutralizing many strains of disease-causing germs and bacteria.
“Chemical-based hand sanitizers are everywhere. They are commonly advertised as an easy and quick alternative to washing hands with soap and water because they are effective disinfectants that are cheap and easy to carry around. However, during the past few years, many experts have started to scrutinize these products, as it is coming to light that excessive use of chemical-based sanitizers may pose significant health risks, especially to children,” says Ria Templer from Utama Spice.
Templer states that a chemical compound called Triclosan, which is present on a number of hand sanitizer brands, counter-intuitively lessens the effectiveness of antibiotics against microbes in the long term, thus creating drug-resistant bacteria. In fact, a 2011 study by the Epidemic Intelligence Service at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that health care employees who were most likely to use hand sanitizers over soap and water for routine hand washing were nearly six times more at risk for outbreaks of norovirus, which causes most cases of acute gastroenteritis. Furthermore, health experts warn of the overexposure to, or improper use of, antibiotics as it may lead to bacterial resistance, making it difficult to treat even the most common infections.
In addition to this, independent studies claim that exposure to triclosan may lead to hormonal imbalance. Experts voice their concerns regarding the various chemicals present on commercially available hand sanitizers, explaining that synthetic fragrances typically contain phthalates, which are known to be endocrine disruptors that mimic hormones and may affect genital development.
Templer also points out that parabens (such as ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben or propylparaben), which are often present in hand sanitizers and beauty products to reduce microbe growth and extend shelf life. Parabens are associated with increased breast cancer tumor proliferation through enhanced Tumour Initiating Cell (TIC) activity that may play a direct role in chemoresistance by modulating stem cell activity. However, these claims warrant further investigations to better understand how these chemicals affect the human body.
A wide range of natural and organic essential oil-based products are available to those who are in the area of Utama Spice’s retail stores, one of which is their Jakarta shop.
“When it comes to cleansing germs, products based on essential oils are generally a much safer alternative to conventional cleaning agents. Many essential oils naturally have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties—and while every essential oil has antiseptic qualities, some are better at inhibiting germs and bacteria than the others,” she said. She states that using a natural essential oil infused sanitizer is the best choice to avoid the harsh chemicals present on commercially available hand-sanitizers.
Essential oils from tea tree, oregano, thyme, citronella, eucalyptus, and grapefruit, among others are known for their natural cleansing properties and do not cause any adverse health effects. “Utama Spice advocates the use of natural essential oils as an effective option to remove harmful bacteria and virus from people’s hands. This is particularly important to protect all family members, especially small children and infants, by using natural and organic options,” says Templer.
Furthermore, Utama Spice’s essential oil based sanitizers are 100% safe because they are made using all-natural ingredients. Templer explains that their sanitizers contain naturally occurring antiviral and antibacterial compounds that offer the same sanitizing properties as a regular bottle of hand sanitizer.
Those looking for more information may contact Ria Templer of Utama Spice Bali, or visit the company’s website. Alternatively, interested parties may connect with the company through their official social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Customers may also visit the Utama Spice Bali Media Room to stay up to date with their latest news and important announcements.
###
For more information about Utama Spice Bali, contact the company here:
Utama Spice Bali
Ria Templer
+62 0361 975051
info@utamaspicebali.com
Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
