Disinfectants and detergents with antimicrobial properties are now used for domestic cleaning for some time, often advertised as ideal solutions for eliminating bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms. However, theGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BFR) He warns about the too widespread use of these products in our homes.
Among the best known home disinfectants, we find very famous products such as amuchine and Napisan Spray, which are sold as medical garrisons, indicated for use in particular cases. In the reality of the facts, however, an abuse of similar products is often made whose effectiveness among other things, as the German authorities explain, is not always certain and sometimes it is limited to some microorganisms in particular. On the BFR press release we read:
The benefits of these health products have not been demonstrated unequivocally. In addition, products can present health risks.
What are disinfectants and antimicrobial products
Disinfectants are chemicals designed to reduce the number of microorganisms on surfaces, hands or objects, preventing the transmission of diseases. Some detergents are considered disinfectant because they contain biocidal active ingredients that reduce the proliferation of bacteria and other pathogens. These products are subject to European biocidal legislation and must be approved for domestic use.
However, as BFR points out, many of the advertising statements on the benefits of these health products are questionable. The truth is that, in domestic environments, excessive use of disinfectant may not be necessary and may even be harmful.
When to use disinfectants at home
The use of disinfectants, according to the BFR, should be limited to exceptional situations. German authorities write:
Disinfectants, including detergents with an antimicrobial effect, should be used in private homes only in justified exceptional cases. These exceptions include: situations justified from a medical point of view in which disinfectants are used on medical advice.
Some examples? When a person is particularly vulnerable to infections and requires additional protection, as in the case of patients with compromised immune system or in health environments.
In addition, the use of disinfectants could be justified in situations such as the protection of kitchen surfaces after the preparation of raw foods, to prevent contaminations. Another exceptional case concerns private swimming pools, where it is necessary to prevent the proliferation of germs.
The risks to health
Excessive use of disinfectant can lead to a series of health problems. The main risks include:
The German experts recall the numerous cases of poisoning from domestic chemicals that occurred during the Pandemia di Coronavirus, when the use of disinfectants has exponentially increased in homes. The consequence was a significant increase in calls to the anti -anti -year -old centers, especially for exhibitions in children under 6 years.
The severity of poisoning depends on the type of product, its chemical composition and the duration of the exposure. To ensure safety, it is essential that consumers correctly use disinfectants and keep them safely, always following the instructions shown on the packaging or in the illustrative sheets.
As alternatives
The BFR stresses that, In most cases, the adoption of normal domestic hygiene practices is sufficient To maintain a healthy and risk -free environment. The good habits to keep include:
As you may have understood, despite the effectiveness of disinfectants in the reduction of microorganisms, the frequent use of antimicrobial products for domestic cleaning could not only prove to be useless, but also harmful. According to BFR, these products should only be used in justified cases and under the advice of a medical professional.
