Page 52 - CIJ Dec 2023 - Digital Edition
P. 52
Technologically Speaking
Controlling Microbes
A Critical Evaluation of
Home & Personal Care Products
As we navigate through our daily lives, questions
about the presence and control of microbes in
our environment frequently arise. Are germs
truly ubiquitous? Do we need to selectively
target harmful microbes over harmless ones?
And importantly, how rigorously are our
antimicrobial products tested for efficacy?
Dr. Sandhya Shrivastava, Director, Bhavan’s
Research Center delves into these questions,
offering insights based on extensive research
and expertise in the field of microbiology.
Our Initial Microbial govern the resident flora of the microbes intact while targeting
only the harmful ones for
microbiome, so under certain
Exposure: conditions, each environment removal or destruction. Scientists
We are germ-free at birth and becomes a distinct microcosm. are working to understand
begin to host them in our bodies the microbiomes of various
through external exposures such The Need for Selective environments, beginning with
as air, water, clothes, linens, floors, Microbial Control: the gut, oral, and skin microflora.
and furniture, not forgetting human They aim to apply this knowledge
touch, largely on the skin and in To maintain a healthy to environments such as kitchens,
the oral cavity. Germs remain ecosystem, the ultimate objective toilets, bathrooms, floors, and
absent or negligible in extreme should be to leave the harmless other areas related to home and
environments, such as those with
extreme pH, temperature, salinity,
availability of oxygen, toxic
chemicals, and so on.
Understanding Our
Microbial World:
Contrary to what many of us
think, most microbes are friendly,
harmless, and even useful, serving
as competitors to pathogens
and contributors to nutrients
and a variety of food products.
Together, at any given location,
harmless and pathogenic microbes
coexist in homeostasis, forming
a unique microenvironment
popularly known as the
‘Microbiome.’ Various factors
DECEMBER 2023•Clean India Journal
52 www.cleanindiajournal.com
