The harmful side of antimicrobial agents

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been using antimicrobial agents in vast amounts as a method of protection against the virus. However, these contain chemical substances that might have drastic effects on human health, if not used in the proper manner.

There are certain terms that one should be aware of, to help when choosing an antimicrobial agent:

Antimicrobial agent: Any substance for reduction or elimination of growth and development of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Antibacterial agents are specific for bacteria.

Disinfectant: A substance used on inanimate objects to destroy microorganisms and can reduce the number by about 99%.

Sanitizer: A substance used to reduce bacteria on inanimate surfaces to a safe level. This substance does not destroy all microorganisms.

Antiseptic: A substance used on living things, including humans, to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Hand sanitizers are supposed to be antiseptics.

Disinfecting: To destroy or prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Cleaning: To rid of dirt or soil.

All the above substances might contain one or more of the following chemicals, as a component that if not used properly, could cause harmful effects on human health:

Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite): it is commonly used to treat drinking water, sanitize swimming pools and in laundry whitening.

Harm: it is a strong eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. It is vital to NEVER mix chlorine bleach with other cleaners like ammonia because it can release dangerous chlorine gas. Exposure to chlorine gas can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and nausea.

Ammonia: it is often a component of glass cleaners and other hard-surface cleaners.

Harm: it can be irritating to the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs. It can burn skin, and can damage eyes (even blindness) upon contact.

Triclosan and Triclocarban: they are commonly added to household cleaning products such as hand soap and dish soap as well as a broad range of other products including toothpaste.

Harm: they are persistent in the environment. They have been linked to the disruption of the endocrine system, and increased risk of breast cancer.

Ammonium quaternary compounds: they are found in household cleaning products like disinfectant sprays and toilet cleaners.

Harm: they have been identified as inducers of asthma. Some of them have been linked to decreased fertility and birth defects in laboratory animals.

Nano-silver: it is incorporated into some textiles, plastics, soaps, packaging, and other materials, as silver metal is an antibacterial agent.

Harm: these particles can penetrate deep into the human body and have been shown to be toxic to the liver and brain.

It is worthy to note that any chemical absorbed into a woman’s body during pregnancy can be transmitted to the fetus and later to the child through breast feeding.

So, it is advised to be cautious when using these substances and avoid misuse, in any manner.