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medical wipes why we would do better to go without

@ Sandrine New

past fifteen years have witnessed an unprecedented boom in the use of wipes and other disposable cleaning materials of all kinds, to the point that nobody seems to wash their hands. Beside the baby wipes, wipes are commonly found in the hands, deodorant wipes, self tanning, wipes to remove makeup as well as nail polish or black spots, wipes for cleaning cars, furniture, floors, fridges and ovens. The wipes are not only part of the journey by air, but also the package of U.S. soldiers in Iraq. In 2004, their market value worldwide was about 4 billion.


Wipes are a disaster for the environment

Made of plastic fibers, polyester fiber and pressed together and dipped in a liquid disinfectant wipes are extremely slow to degrade. They thus accumulate, become increasingly numerous in our environment.
Just for North America, the 83,000 tons of wipes purchased in 2003 would require 9000 truck 18 wheels for transport, and the convoy would stretch over 100 kilometers.

packets of wipes are hotbeds for germs to spread

wipes often contain antibacterial ingredients intended to be effective in protecting skin against E coli, salmonella and listeria. But once opened a package of wipes, if you drag a hand not very clean, your package may well become, instead, foster proliferation ideal for these bacteria.

To avoid this problem, manufacturers add large amounts of preservatives and antibacterial agent in their tissues. What happens when it all those chemicals flowing into the system in our landfills and sewers? No one is really concerned about it until now.

Wipes contain chemicals that irritate the skin

The wipes can be irritating to human skin, destroying the natural protective barrier of the skin and cause dermatitis and eczema. Chemicals can be transferred to our food when preparing meals, and then be ingested when we eat, with consequences that remain to be studied. All
wipes contain chemicals which irritate the skin is very well happen, as, for example, denatured alcohol - which by drying the skin and crisp making it a breeding ground for infection-, glycol propylene and a range of potentially carcinogenic ingredients.

Wipes pose additional problems
They are expensive and tend to block drains toilet when someone throws them.

Alternatives

The best natural alternative to wipes is soap and water: this remains the most effective way to get rid of germs.
When traveling, if you do not have easy access to water, you can take a piece of wet flannel or two in plastic bags that close tightly.
not irritate sensitive skin of babies with wipes, use toilet paper or moistened cotton instead.
For housekeeping, give yourself a microfiber cloth. They are made of very fine fibers are used wet and compacted and no chemicals, they can clean almost anything.


Sources:
Thomas, Pat, "Wet Ones Ultra Soft With chamomile extract", Ecologist, July / August 2005