T.J. Samson | Destination Health | June 2020

Safety June 2020 7 Hand sanitizers: 5 do’s and don’ts You always want to keep your hands as germ-free as possible. But if you regularly reach for hand sanitizer, it pays to know a few key facts. Start with this one: Washing your hands with soap and running water for 20 seconds is typically the best way to clean your hands. If you can’t get to soap and wa- ter, a hand sanitizer can be a good choice. Even so, you have to use the right product—in the right way—to get the most out of it. Here are some good-to-know tips: 1. Do use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It should contain at least 60% alcohol. Sanitizers without alcohol may only keep germs from multiplying instead of killing them. Also, be aware: Even an alcohol- based sanitizer doesn ’ t get rid of all types of germs. Washing with soap and water is better at removing: ●  ● Norovirus, the leading cause of food poisoning. ●  ● Some parasites. ●  ● Clostridium difficile , which causes severe diarrhea. 2. Do check for dirt. If your hands are dirty or greasy, hand sani- tizers may not work well. Stick to handwashing, if possible. 3. Don’t rely on hand sanitizers to remove harmful chemicals. It’s unlikely that sanitizers can remove chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals. If you've come in contact with them, wash your hands care- fully with soap and water. Or call a poison control center for directions. 4. Don’t rush. Use enough sanitizer to cover all parts of your hands and fingers.Then rub your hands together until they feel dry— that should take about 20 seconds. Hand sanitizers may not be as ef- fective if you rinse or wipe them off before your hands are dry. 5. Do be careful around kids. Keep hand sanitizers out of the reach of young children, who might mistake them for food or candy. Last year alone, U.S. poison control centers received more than 17,000 calls about hand sanitizer exposure in kids 12 and younger. A child who swallows even a small amount of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer could be at risk for alco- hol poisoning.That can be deadly in severe cases. Sources: American Association of Poison Control Centers; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention DIYers: Know your way around 3 home hazards 1 2 3 POWER TOOLS Power tools are designed to make jobs easy, but they can also cause serious injuries. To reduce the risk, always: ●  ● Use the tool for its intended purpose. ●  ● Aim the edge of a cutting tool away from your body. ●  ● Keep cords away from anything that could dam- age them, like heat or sharp edges. Never yank or carry a tool by the cord. And keep cords out of walkways. ●  ● Unplug tools when they’re not in use or when you’re servicing them. ●  ● Keep electric tools away from damp or wet jobs unless they’re made for that purpose. ●  ● Use double-insulated tools, made with nonmetal- lic cases. ●  ● Use appropriate eyewear, footwear, earplugs, dust masks and gloves. LEAD PAINT Homes built before 1978 probably contain lead-based paint. Common repairs like sanding, cutting and replacing windows can create dan- gerous lead dust. When inhaled or swallowed, that dust can cause serious health problems in kids and adults. If the paint is in good condition, leave it alone. If it’s flaking or peeling, hire a trained specialist to remove it. ASBESTOS Asbestos may be found in insulation, sid- ing and ceiling tiles installed in the 1950s to 1970s. Inhaling the fibers can harm your lungs over time. If your home contains asbestos, it’s best not to disturb it. But if you have to, ask a trained professional for help. Getting ready to tackle some home improvements? Before you bust out that utility belt, it’s important to learn how to safely deal with three potential sources of injury and illness that could throw a wrench in your project. Sources: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; American College of Emergency Physicians; American Lung Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Labor; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency