Have We Gone Anti-Bacterial Crazy?

Just over a year ago, the need to ‘disinfect’ and ‘sanitize’ became a priority for every American. Mountains of Clorox wipes and gallons of hand sanitizer later … what long-term effects could increased use of anti-bacterials have on our health? Or for our water?    Dr. Amy Sapkota, professor of Applied Environmental Health at the University of Maryland studies links between real-world microbial exposures and infectious disease in humans.    Antibacterial agents are necessary, she says, but some are better and safer than others. And most of all:      “Handwashing is still one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of many different illnesses. So continued hand washing with just soap and water is really essential as we continue to combat this virus.” Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472