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View Full Version : Anti-Bacterial Hand Gunk: scam? or worse?


americana
29-09-2008, 12:38 AM
So, at least here in NYC, I'm seeing a push to sell anti-bacterial hand "lotion", those often tiny, overpriced bottles of gel which you can use in lieu of washing your hands.

It really came to my attention a few weeks ago when a big guy, decked in as many chains as Mr. T, was buying a little bottle in front of me in line at the drug store. I thought the purchase seemed really incongruous, and wondered who had sold him this bill of goods. (Maybe he was a bouncer and was glad-handing people coming in the club. At least that was my take on the thing.)

Anyway, I haven't READ this anyplace, but I bet that these lotions or gels or whatever they are actually contribute to the hardiness of bacteria, viruses, whatever, that are the tough ones not killed by the stuff. It probably kills the weakest, and thus the strong "bugs" multiply and evolve.

Whaddya think?

In any case, they are sure pushing this stuff. It's an "impulse purchase", just like candy at all the drugstore checkouts.

smariot
29-09-2008, 01:45 PM
Without bacteria, we'd all be dead. They don't get nearly enough respect.

I don't worry about germs. The ones currently on and inside me aren't making me ill, and as such, I don't care to get rid of them, and I expect they'll make it a lot harder for anything worse to come along and take up residence. I kind of relate it to the planet, with all the life forms living on it. I don't mind, as long as they don't cause any trouble.

Although apparently the planet is a lot more forgiving than I am. If it was me, you humans would be in a lot of trouble right now.