Alert! Anti-bacterial not the same as Anti-viral!

By way of Arstechnica’s
Science Sunday
column, a report on MSNBC titled
Anti-bacterial soap may disappoint
clarifies the role of anti-bacterial soaps and other cleaners. Apparently confusion exists
in the minds of people that such cleaners provide protection against all manner of
microbes.

The response from the manufacturer’s of such products is understandable:

“It’s important to remember that the products that were tested here do not make anti-viral claims,” [said Brian Sansoni, a spokesman
for the Soap and Detergent Association]

However, that totally disregards the stated purpose of the study:

“People think, in their heads, that if they use an anti-bacterial soap, it will keep them from getting an infection,” Larson said.

They wanted to test that assumption, even though it could be assumed
the researches knew the answer in advance.

This again pin-points something about the
thinking of many people: anti-bacterial protects a person from all types
of diseases, infections and sicknesses. The early marketing and pushing of such products in
the 20^th century produced beneficial and harmful results. Beneficial in that
people were educated (somewhat) about bacteria and combatting them. Harmful in that
somehow people were led to the still-persisting belief that anti-bacterial cures all.

Correction and education seem in order, but on who’s part?

“You Catch More Flies with Honey…”

Raymond Chen reminds us in Blow the dust out of the connector
that the way we address people (tone of voice, instructions, etc) effects the outcome. Approaching people in a positive, upbuilding way leads to an equitable situation for all parties. His example of customer support highlights how this is used and why it works.

What is good to remember, and put into practice, is this is useful for more than customer support. Too often we humans get stuck on a self-centric view, or approach, to life and our dealings with others. To the point where it doesn’t matter how we treat others. However, treating others in a positive manner brings more benefits, tangible and intangible, along with making life far more enjoyable.