Duane, Is That Right? Are you using too much hand sanitizer?

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - More and more of us are using hand sanitizers every day, but there's a new debate about what's inside and whether it's good for you. Social media continues to buzz about hand sanitizers with claims they might actually make you sick. In April, the latest controversy blew up when the Food and Drug Administration announced it eliminated 28 ingredients in hand sanitizers and that it's reviewing the three most common active ingredients. But looking past the headlines, there's a far less alarming story here. According to the FDA rule issued on April 12, the 28 active ingredients in antiseptic handwashes were eliminated because there wasn't enough evidence those ingredients killed germs. That leaves three active ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. The FDA is studying all to see if they're effective and safe for one big reason: We're using hand sanitizers so often. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says hand sanitizers can be effective but still recommends washing your hands with soap and water as the best way to reduce microbes in most situations. So, while we're pumping and squeezing out a lot more hand sanitizer today, the old-fashioned way still seems to be the best. But there's no scientific evidence that hand sanitizers represent a health threat. If you thought they did, you're WRONG.