Effective Hand Washing

Research Questions:

Which method is the most effective in eliminating bacteria and germs?

Our skin is our first line of defense against germs. Skin is an organ that protects our body, acting as a barrier to prevent germs from entering our body. During the cold and flu season we are constantly reminded to "wash your hands". Our hands come into contact with a number of objects during the course of a day so that's why it is important to wash our hands on a regular basis to prevent the spread of germs. There are many anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers on the market but how effective are they?

Materials:

• Glo Germ Kit - available online
• Hand Soap (non anti-bacterial)
• Anti-bacterial Hand Soap
• Anti-Bacterial Gel / Hand Sanitizers (waterless)

Experimental Procedure:

You can do this yourself or perform on a subject so you can record the data.

1. Rub the Glo Germ Liquid onto the hands. View under the UV light.
2. Wash hands with hand soap and water as usual.
3. View hands under the UV light. Record observations or take a photo.
4. Re apply the Glo Germ Liquid.
5. Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap and water as usual.
6. View hands under the UV light. Record observations or take a photo.
7. Re apply the Glo Germ Liquid.
8. Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap and water as usual.
9. View hands under the UV light. Record observations or take a photo.  

Terms/Concepts: What are the common bacteria found on the hands? Why are some bacteria strains considered good? E.g. Normal Flora;  What are the differences between regular hand soap, anti-bacterial hand soap, and anti-bacterial gel or hand sanitizers? How do they clean?

References:

• http://www.glogerm.com/
• http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HandWashing/