The debate over the effectiveness and environmental impact of handkerchiefs versus paper tissues in preventing infections continues, with surprising findings to consider.
Are Paper Tissues Better Than Handkerchiefs? An Analysis of Infection Prevention and Environmental Impact
How Did Using Paper Tissues and Handkerchiefs Start?
Handkerchief, once considered a simple cloth for nose-wiping, has a rich and diverse history. In ancient Rome, it was known as a sudarium and served various purposes, including wiping sweat and concealing the face. Over time, handkerchiefs took on multiple roles, from head coverings to cleaning hands, attending wounds, and stopping bleeding.
Handkerchiefs held social significance, with wealthy individuals using them to signal class and etiquette. They offered a discreet way to handle phlegm compared to smearing it on clothing. Even royalty, like Henry VIII, possessed collections of fine linen and silk handkerchiefs adorned with gold and silver, symbolizing wealth and power.
Moreover, handkerchiefs became symbols of love, fidelity, and sexual preferences. In the late 19th century, the "handkerchief code" emerged, involving color-coded handkerchiefs and their placement to indicate sexual preferences.
In contrast, paper tissues trace their origins back to ancient China in the 2nd century BC but evolved into the familiar disposable tissues for makeup removal and runny noses during the 1920s.
Paper Tissues Vs. Handkerchiefs: Which One Prevents Infection?
Over a century ago, cloth handkerchiefs were considered germ carriers, leading to their reputation as "little flags of Death." Later, people were advised to use handkerchiefs for covering coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of diseases.
Today, it is common knowledge that nasal secretions contain cold-type viruses that can contaminate various surfaces, including hands, handkerchiefs, tissues, and more, potentially surviving for extended periods.
However, handkerchiefs are less hygienic than single-use tissues. Blowing your nose into a handkerchief introduces fresh snot to any existing germs, providing a moist environment that can aid the survival and growth of bacteria or viruses.
Using a handkerchief can lead to germs being transferred back to your hands, potentially contaminating objects like doorknobs. While hand hygiene can help, it's not always practical, making tissues a more hygienic option.
Moreover, reusable cotton handkerchiefs can facilitate the spread of viruses, even if washed afterward, as you may touch contaminated surfaces on the way. In contrast, viruses don't tend to survive as long on tissues, reducing the risk of germ transmission.
Nonetheless, both handkerchiefs and tissues have limited effectiveness in filtering respiratory aerosols or protecting against airborne particles and pathogens.
READ ALSO: Paper Straws Are Not More Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Than Plastic; Here's Why
Paper Tissues Vs. Handkerchiefs: Which One Is Good for the Environment?
Ecosystem Analytics conducted a lifecycle analysis comparing reusable cotton handkerchiefs to disposable paper tissues, considering environmental impacts associated with production, transport, use, and disposal. The study looked at climate change, ecosystem quality, human health, and resource usage.
The findings revealed that cotton handkerchiefs had five to seven times greater environmental impact than equivalent tissues across the four measured criteria. The primary source of impact was the production of these products, rather than their use or disposal.
Choosing organic cotton for handkerchiefs could reduce the ecological footprint compared to standard cotton. However, organic cotton production typically has lower yields, necessitating more land use, potentially exacerbating environmental impact.
For those seeking an environmentally friendly option, tissues made from recycled material emit fewer greenhouse gases during production compared to regular tissues.
In conclusion, using disposable paper tissues made from recycled material and disposing of them properly is a more hygienic and environmentally friendly choice than reusable cloth handkerchiefs.
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