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( August 2021)Īlcohol-based hand sanitizers may not be effective if the hands are greasy or visibly soiled. The alcohol-based version is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer has been commonly used in Europe since at least the 1980s. Īlcohol has been used as an antiseptic at least as early as 1363 with evidence to support its use becoming available in the late 1800s. Non-alcohol based versions typically contain benzalkonium chloride or triclosan but are less effective than alcohol-based ones. Some versions contain fragrances however, these are discouraged due to the risk of allergic reactions. Compounds such as glycerol may be added to prevent drying of the skin. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer works against a wide variety of microorganisms but not spores. Care should be taken as they are flammable. Īlcohol-based versions typically contain some combination of isopropyl alcohol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), or n-propanol, with versions containing 60% to 95% alcohol the most effective. The general use of non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers is not recommended. Hand washing with soap and water, however, should be carried out if contamination can be seen, or following the use of the toilet. In most healthcare settings, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are preferable to hand washing with soap and water, because it may be better tolerated and is more effective at reducing bacteria. Do not go near flame or gas burner or any burning object during application of hand sanitizer.Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.The CDC recommends the following steps when using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer: Īlcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60% ( v/v) alcohol in water (specifically, ethanol or isopropyl alcohol/isopropanol (rubbing alcohol)) is recommended by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but only if soap and water are not available. People may incorrectly wipe off hand sanitizer before it has dried, and some are less effective because their alcohol concentrations are too low. Hand sanitizer is less effective at killing certain kinds of germs, such as norovirus and Clostridium difficile, and unlike hand washing, it cannot physically remove harmful chemicals. In most settings, hand washing with soap and water is generally preferred. Hand sanitizer (also known as hand antiseptic, hand disinfectant, hand rub, or handrub) is a liquid, gel or foam generally used to kill many viruses/ bacteria/ microorganisms on the hands. Hand sanitizer, hand antiseptic, hand disinfectant, hand rub, handrub A typical pump bottle dispenser of hand sanitizer gel
