Noah Vinter
Hand sanitizer has become a staple in homes, schools, and hospitals, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is an effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, it has also become a source of concern due to its alcohol content, which can be extracted and consumed. The process of extracting alcohol from hand sanitizer at home has gained attention, particularly among teenagers seeking a quick high. However, this practice is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe health complications, including hypothermia, seizures, irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, and even death. The presence of denaturants and substances like propylene glycol in hand sanitizers makes them toxic and potentially fatal if ingested. Despite the availability of recipes and instructions for alcohol extraction, it is crucial to understand the serious risks associated with this practice.
Characteristics and Values Table for Extracting Alcohol from Hand Sanitizer at Home
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons | To get drunk, as an alternative to beer, or for use in cocktails |
| Risk factors | Life-threatening effects, including hypothermia, seizures, irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, hypotension, nausea, vomiting, acute liver injury, hypoglycemia, coma, and death |
| Target audience | Teenagers, young people, and adults |
| Hand sanitizer type | Liquid gel hand sanitizer |
| Alcohol percentage | 62% ethyl alcohol |
| Equivalent alcohol | 120-proof liquor |
| Alternative | Purchase the foam version instead of the gel type |
| Ingredients | Isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, water, aloe vera gel, ethanol, clove, eucalyptus, peppermint, essential oil |
| Tools | Funnel, small bottles, squeeze bottles, spray bottles, clean spoon, whisk |
| Safety | Do not touch the mixture with your hands until it’s ready for use. Do not use on children’s skin. |
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What You'll Learn
The process is dangerous and can be fatal
The process of extracting alcohol from hand sanitizer at home is dangerous and can be fatal. Hand sanitizers contain a high percentage of alcohol, usually ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which can be distilled or extracted to create a potent alcoholic drink. However, this practice is extremely risky and can lead to serious health issues or even death.
Firstly, hand sanitizers are not meant for consumption and often contain denaturants, which are additives that make the product toxic and unpalatable. These denaturants can cause severe health issues if ingested, including hypothermia, seizures, irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, hypotension, nausea, vomiting, acute liver injury, hypoglycemia, and coma. Even if one attempts to extract the alcohol, there is a risk of ingesting these toxic additives, which can have life-threatening consequences.
Secondly, not all the alcohol in hand sanitizers is of the drinking variety. Some sanitizers contain a mix of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, with one test finding 10% isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) in the extract. Isopropyl alcohol is highly toxic and can cause serious health issues, including blindness, organ damage, and death. Even if a person successfully extracts the ethanol, the presence of isopropyl alcohol makes the practice extremely dangerous.
Additionally, the extraction process itself can be hazardous. Distilling or extracting alcohol from hand sanitizer requires the use of flammable materials and equipment, which can pose a fire or explosion risk if not handled properly. Furthermore, the extraction process may not remove all the toxic additives, and even a small amount of these substances can be harmful.
The practice of extracting alcohol from hand sanitizer is not worth the risk. It is important to remember that hand sanitizers are meant for hygiene and should not be viewed as a source of alcohol. There are safer and more effective ways to access alcohol, and the potential consequences of ingestion far outweigh any perceived benefits.
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Use 99% isopropyl alcohol
It is important to note that the alcohol used in hand sanitizers is denatured, meaning it contains additives that can make you very sick if ingested. Therefore, it is highly advised against extracting alcohol from hand sanitizer at home.
If you are still considering it, please note that the following method is for informational purposes only and should not be replicated.
To extract alcohol from hand sanitizer at home, one method suggests using 99% isopropyl alcohol. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients and Materials:
- 1 cup of 99% isopropyl alcohol
- 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon of glycerin (glycerol)
- Distilled water
- 2-cup glass measuring container
- Small "travel-size" bottles
- Funnel
Instructions:
- Measure out 1 cup of 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour it into the 2-cup glass measuring container.
- Add 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of glycerin to the isopropyl alcohol in the glass container.
- Top up the mixture with distilled water until the total volume reaches 1 1/3 cups.
- Mix the solution thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
- Using the funnel, carefully pour the prepared hand sanitizer into small "travel-size" bottles for easy use.
Additional Notes:
- This method produces a hand sanitizer that meets WHO standards and is effective against germs.
- The CDC recommends that hand sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol to be effective.
- Always practice extreme caution when handling isopropyl alcohol and other chemicals.
- Keep hand sanitizer out of reach of children and teenagers to prevent accidental ingestion or intentional misuse.
Once again, it is crucial to understand that consuming denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol can be dangerous and lead to severe health issues. This method is for informational purposes only, and it is advised to use hand sanitizer for its intended purpose and follow the instructions for proper use.
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Add hydrogen peroxide
While alcohol is the main ingredient in hand sanitizers, hydrogen peroxide is also used in the formulation to kill bacterial spores. It is not an active substance for hand antisepsis, but it adds an important safety aspect to the sanitizer.
To make your own hand sanitizer at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- Ethanol 96% (833.3 ml) or Isopropyl alcohol 99.8% (751.5 ml)
- Hydrogen peroxide 3% (41.7 ml)
- Glycerol 98% (145 ml)
- Distilled water
First, pour the alcohol into a large bottle or container. Make sure to use a measuring cylinder to ensure accuracy. Next, measure 41.7 ml of hydrogen peroxide and add it to the alcohol in the container. Finally, add the glycerol and enough distilled water to make 10L. Mix well.
It is important to note that hand sanitizers with alcohol are not suitable for children, as they can be dangerous if ingested. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide can be corrosive, so it should be handled with care.
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Add glycerin
Glycerin, also known as glycerine or glycerol, is an important ingredient in hand sanitizer. It is a simple three-carbon triol that helps to moisturize the skin and leave hands feeling fresh and clean. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a formulation containing 1.45% glycerol as a humectant to protect the skin against dryness and dermatitis.
To make hand sanitizer at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 90ml of 70% ethanol alcohol
- 10ml of glycerin
First, measure out the alcohol and pour it into a measuring beaker. Then, add the glycerin. The glycerin is heavier than the alcohol, so it will sink to the bottom. You can also add a few drops of essential oil or a scented ingredient to mask the strong alcohol smell if desired.
Once you have added the glycerin and any optional scented ingredients, gently shake the flask to mix the contents. Top up the flask to 1000ml with distilled water or boiled and cooled water.
It is important to note that this DIY hand sanitizer solution cannot be readily tested with standard equipment to determine its effectiveness in killing bacteria and viruses compared to commercial products. However, it can be applied to the skin, following the recommended hand sanitizer application technique of rubbing it all across the hands and allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
Always exercise caution when handling and consuming alcohol, and keep hand sanitizer products out of the reach of children and teenagers to prevent accidental ingestion or intentional misuse.
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Dilute with water
Diluting hand sanitiser with water is a dangerous practice that can be life-threatening. However, if you are referring to diluting highly concentrated alcohol with water to create hand sanitiser, this is a different process.
The CDC recommends that hand sanitiser contains at least 60% ABV. To achieve this, you can dilute 80% ethanol with water. One formula suggests using 3/4 cup of 80% ethanol and adding water to make up 1 cup, then adding 1/4 cup of aloe gel. This will yield 60% ABV hand sanitiser.
It is important to note that homemade hand sanitiser should only be used in extreme situations when handwashing is unavailable. It is also not recommended for use on children's skin.
The process of diluting alcohol with water to create hand sanitiser should be done carefully and in a clean space. It is important to note that undiluted alcohol is highly flammable and should be handled with caution.
It is worth noting that the practice of extracting alcohol from hand sanitiser can be extremely dangerous and has resulted in hospitalisations and even deaths. Hand sanitiser often contains denaturants, which are added to make the product toxic and unpalatable. Ingesting hand sanitiser can lead to life-threatening effects, including hypothermia, seizures, irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, and even death.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible, but it is extremely dangerous and not recommended. Hand sanitizers contain denaturants, which are toxic and can lead to life-threatening effects such as hypothermia, seizures, irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, and even death.
To make hand sanitizer at home, you will need isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (with 91-99% alcohol volume), aloe vera gel, and essential oils such as clove, eucalyptus, or peppermint.
Firstly, ensure your workspace is clean and sanitized. Combine two parts alcohol with one part aloe vera gel and add a few drops of your chosen essential oil. Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a clean spoon and whisk until well blended. Do not touch the mixture with your hands until it is ready for use.
Hand sanitizer contains very high concentrations of alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning if ingested. Additionally, the toxic additives in hand sanitizers can cause serious health issues, including seizures, cardiac arrest, and even death.
The best alternative to hand sanitizer is good old-fashioned handwashing with soap and water. Hand sanitizer should only be used when soap and water are not available. It is important to note that homemade hand sanitizers should not be used on children's skin due to the risk of improper use and injury.
