Final answer:
Using moist towelettes exclusively presents issues such as insufficient germ-killing capability, potential skin irritation, environmental concerns, and higher cost. Handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is more effective in removing pathogens and is the best practice for preventing the spread of diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The issue with only using moist towelettes for cleaning hands and surfaces primarily revolves around their questionable effectiveness in killing germs, potential for skin irritation, their environmental impact, and their cost when used in large quantities. Moist towelettes may not always be effective against all types of germs, which is why handwashing with soap and water is recommended, especially to prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID-19. Handwashing works by physically removing pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, from the skin. It's advised to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds to ensure proper cleaning. In addition, overuse of antimicrobial products can lead to the risk of creating resistant strains of microorganisms. Also, many towelettes are not biodegradable, contributing to environmental waste.
When handling materials that may be hazardous to skin during activities like labs, it's necessary to wash hands thoroughly after disposal. Although it's not feasible to eliminate all pathogens to prevent sickness fully, regular handwashing is the single most effective way to reduce the chance of infection. It is essential to both personal health and public safety since individuals can easily spread pathogens through common touch points like doorknobs and shared devices.