Theo Nash
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a scramble to find effective disinfectants to combat the virus. While ethanol (ethyl alcohol) has been widely used for this purpose, concerns have been raised about its effectiveness and safety. This discussion is particularly relevant given the potential toxic effects of methanol (methyl alcohol), which should not be used as a substitute for ethanol in disinfectants and hand sanitizers. To understand the role of ethyl alcohol as a disinfectant against COVID-19, it is essential to explore its properties, efficacy, and appropriate usage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness against COVID-19 | Ethyl alcohol is effective in killing the COVID-19 virus. |
| Comparison with other alcohols | Ethyl alcohol is preferred over methanol, which is toxic and should not be used in disinfectants or hand sanitizers. |
| Ideal concentration | A concentration of 70%-75% alcohol is ideal for effectively killing the COVID-19 virus. |
| Use cases | Ethyl alcohol is used in hand sanitizers, sterilizers, and disinfectants for surfaces. |
| Precautions | Should not be used directly on bare skin as it can cause dryness. Always follow the instructions on product labels. |
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What You'll Learn
Ethanol vs. methanol
Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, has been found to be an effective disinfectant against Covid-19. It is also known as grain alcohol and is commonly used in alcoholic beverages. Ethanol is typically produced through the fermentation of sugars using yeast. It is a clear, colourless, flammable liquid with a pungent odour and a burning smell. It has a chemical formula of CH3CH2OH and is composed of two carbon atoms. While it is toxic in large quantities, it is the only type of alcohol that is drinkable in moderation.
On the other hand, methanol, or methyl alcohol, is a highly toxic substance that should not be ingested. It is a colourless, flammable liquid with a characteristic odour. The chemical formula for methanol is CH3OH, and it is composed of only one carbon atom. Methanol is usually produced on an industrial scale through catalytic reactions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen.
One of the key differences between ethanol and methanol is their toxicity. While both substances are toxic, methanol is far more toxic and harmful to the body. Ingesting as little as half a teaspoon of methanol can cause permanent blindness, central nervous system poisoning, coma, and even death. Ethanol, on the other hand, is generally safe for consumption in moderate amounts, although excessive intake can lead to liver damage, central nervous system impairment, coma, and death.
Another distinction is their use. Ethanol has a wide range of applications, including as a disinfectant, an additive to gasoline, and as the main ingredient in alcoholic beverages. It is also used to synthesise other organic chemicals and as a solvent. Methanol, however, is primarily used in industrial settings to produce various chemicals.
In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Methanol Institute (MI) has specifically cautioned against using methanol as a disinfectant or hand sanitiser. While both ethanol and methanol are types of alcohol, methanol breaks down into formic acid in the body, which is highly toxic. Therefore, it is not an effective or safe product for disinfecting surfaces or hands to combat the Covid-19 virus. Instead, ethanol and isopropanol are the approved alcohols for disinfection in healthcare settings.
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Effectiveness on human skin
While hand-washing with soap and water is the best way to remove all types of germs from hands, alcohol-based hand sanitisers may be used as an alternative. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, effective alcohol-based hand sanitisers should contain at least 60% alcohol.
Ethyl alcohol is found in higher concentrations as a raw material, existing as a 95% solution when used in formulations. However, such high concentrations are watered down in hand sanitisers and sterilisers to prevent skin dryness and irritation. It is not advisable to use ethyl alcohol in its neat form on bare skin for disinfecting purposes.
Ethyl alcohol-based hand sanitisers are generally safe for use on human skin. However, it is important to exercise caution and avoid misuse, as this can lead to serious burns on the skin and other parts of the body. To ensure safe use, always read and follow the directions on the product label, use water at room temperature for dilution, avoid mixing with other chemical products, and ensure adequate ventilation during use.
The Methanol Institute (MI) has issued a caution against using methanol (methyl alcohol) in place of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) in hand sanitisers and disinfectants. Methanol is toxic and can cause serious harm through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. While small amounts of methanol may be present in ethyl alcohol-based products as an impurity, it should not exceed the specified limit of 0.5% or 0.2 mL/L.
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Safe usage instructions
Ethyl alcohol is an effective disinfectant against COVID-19. It is a powerful broad-spectrum germicide that is superior to isopropyl alcohol. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria and some viruses, including coronaviruses.
- Ethyl alcohol is typically used in concentrations of 70%. Higher concentrations are less effective as they evaporate too quickly, and lower concentrations are not as effective.
- It is important to note that ethyl alcohol dries up the skin at higher concentrations. Therefore, it should not be used neat for disinfecting bare skin. It is usually watered down when used in hand sanitizer formulas to prevent skin dryness.
- Proper hand hygiene is an important part of the response to COVID-19. It is recommended to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- When using ethyl alcohol-based hand sanitizers, ensure that you cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until your hands feel dry.
- For surface disinfection, follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and ventilation.
- Keep ethyl alcohol out of the reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.
- Do not use ethyl alcohol near an open flame or heat sources as it is flammable.
- Avoid inhaling ethyl alcohol vapors for prolonged periods, as it can cause irritation to the respiratory system.
- Always read the label and instructions on the ethyl alcohol product before use, and follow the recommended guidelines.
By following these instructions, you can safely use ethyl alcohol as a disinfectant to protect against COVID-19.
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Approved by the US FDA
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidance for the manufacture of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) for use as the active pharmaceutical ingredient in alcohol-based hand sanitizers for consumer use and for use as hand rubs for healthcare personnel. The FDA has also been working to ensure the availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizers to meet demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FDA has stressed the importance of using denatured alcohol in hand sanitizers, as it makes the product more bitter and less appealing to ingest, especially for children. This is in line with the FDA's mission to ensure the safety of FDA-regulated products for consumer use. The FDA has also asked companies to add additional ingredients to their products to make them unpalatable, as there has been an uptick in hand sanitizer consumption, with people using disinfectant products at an increased rate while trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The FDA has also been addressing safety concerns related to products being sold that are not in line with their policies and others being marketed with unproven claims. For example, the FDA issued its first warning letter for a hand sanitizer product marketed with unproven COVID-19-related claims, in violation of federal law. The FDA has also stated that hand sanitizers are not proven to treat COVID-19 and are not for ingestion, inhalation, or intravenous use.
It is important to note that the FDA does not recommend the use of methanol (methyl alcohol) as a disinfectant or hand sanitizer, as it is toxic and can be harmful if exposed through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. Instead, ethanol and isopropanol, which produce less toxic chemicals in the body, are approved by the FDA for disinfection in healthcare settings.
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Manufacturing other sanitizing products
Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is effective in killing germs, viruses, and bacteria on surfaces, including COVID-19, as long as the concentration and contact time minimum requirements are met. It is important to note that not all disinfectants are created equal, and the specific type of alcohol used is crucial. While ethanol is safe and effective, methanol (methyl alcohol) is not suitable for use in hand sanitizers or surface disinfectants due to its toxicity.
Now, let's discuss the process of manufacturing other sanitizing products using ethyl alcohol:
Hand Sanitizer:
To make an effective hand sanitizer, you will need isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, and sterile water. The total alcohol content in your hand sanitizer should be around 75%, which means you need at least 60% alcohol to effectively kill germs. Here are the steps to make it:
- Start by sterilizing the containers you will use for mixing and storing the sanitizer. You can use boiling water or a dishwasher on high heat if the containers are heat-resistant.
- Pour the isopropyl alcohol into the clean container.
- Add hydrogen peroxide to kill any bacteria that may be present.
- Mix in 4 teaspoons of glycerin to help protect your skin from drying out.
- Finally, add 1 cup of sterile water and mix everything together.
- Wait for 72 hours before using the sanitizer to allow the hydrogen peroxide to kill any germs that may have gotten into the solution during the mixing process.
Surface Disinfectant Spray:
For a simple and effective surface disinfectant spray, you can use 190-proof food-grade ethanol, which is pure 95% ethyl alcohol. This type of ethanol is safe for use on various surfaces, including stone, glass, composite, and natural surfaces. Here's how to make it:
- Purchase 190-proof food-grade ethanol from a reputable source, ensuring it is specifically intended for disinfectant purposes.
- Dilute the ethanol with water. It is crucial to measure the ingredients accurately to ensure the effectiveness of the disinfectant. If you dilute it too much, you may end up spreading germs instead of killing them.
- Pour the diluted solution into a spray bottle, and your disinfectant spray is ready to use.
Customizing Your Sanitizer:
You can customize your hand sanitizer by adding ingredients such as moisturizing lotions, essential oils, vitamins, or aromatherapy scents. However, it is important to subtract the volume of these additional ingredients from the gel or cream base while ensuring that the final mixture maintains an alcohol content of at least 60%. Additionally, never mix common household products like bleach or ammonia with ethyl alcohol cleaning solutions, as it is unsafe.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is an effective disinfectant against COVID-19. It is often used in hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants.
A concentration of 70-75% ethyl alcohol is considered effective in killing the COVID-19 virus. This concentration can successfully penetrate and solidify the protein in the virus, thereby destroying it.
To make a disinfectant, you can mix 80ml of absolute ethyl alcohol with 20ml of purified water. This creates a 75% ethyl alcohol solution, which is effective against COVID-19.
Yes, it is important to follow safety guidelines when using ethyl alcohol. Always read and follow the instructions on the product label. Do not use ethyl alcohol directly on bare skin as it can cause dryness. Keep disinfectants away from children and ensure proper ventilation during and after use.
