Texas Experts Say You’ve Been Killing Germs Wrong This Whole Time

As someone who is not a huge fan of germs in general, I was thrilled when the eco-friendly technology company, GenEon, headquartered right here in Texas, spoke out on the truth when it comes to eliminating germs on everyday surfaces.

99 Problems But a Germ Ain't One

When it comes to bacteria, there is a whole world of good vs. bad, but more on that later. GenEon actually detailed five ways to effectively kill bacteria of all kinds on surfaces that you interact with every day:

• Boiling water
  • A good way to make drinkable water. Boiling water to at least 140 degrees is a must for drinking water. This also works with dishwashers and washing machines for clothes
• Chlorine
  • Good option for swimming pools as it kills bacteria and prevents fungi from growing
• Hydrogen peroxide
  • Apply to open wounds to kill harmful bacteria and prevent infections
• Bleach
  • Common household chemical for killing bacteria on kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Risky though, as fumes can be harmful for adults, children, and pets. Mixing with other chemicals is highly dangerous as well and can cause toxic concoctions

GenEon also includes antimicrobial products like soaps, detergents, and window cleaners as effective means of eliminating germs. These must also be used sparingly, as some contain additives or fragrances that can be harmful if exposed for a long time on skin or in eyes.

Understanding Good v. Bad Bacteria

"Germs" is a broad term, as they can include harmless bacteria found naturally on our skin all the way to carriers of deadly viruses left behind from infected hosts.

When discussing the killing of germs in your home, it's important to keep in mind that some bacteria is actually good for our bodies and help strengthen our immune systems. This is why some household cleaners can actually have a negative effect in our lives due to the amount of additives and agents that kill all living bacteria, good and bad, on surfaces including our skin.

Risks of Common Household Cleaners

GenEon also included remarks from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) saying that small children and pets are more susceptible to toxins and carcinogens (elements inside man-made products that can cause cancer) emitted from household cleaners.

In fact, it's reported that an estimated 5% of childhood cancer can be traced to toxic cleaners. When it comes to childhood asthma, that number jumps to 30%.

Regardless of how accurate these numbers are, it's important to always check your disinfectants and cleaning products at home. If the ingredients label takes more than five seconds to read, it might be best to find a more natural alternative.