Mason Delacroix
Hand sanitizers have become a sought-after product during the COVID-19 pandemic, with health authorities such as the CDC recommending that people carry them when venturing out. However, not all hand sanitizers are equally effective against the coronavirus. Hand sanitizers with an alcohol content of at least 60% are recommended by the CDC and other health experts as they are effective at killing most viruses, including coronaviruses. Alcohol attacks the envelope protein that surrounds viruses, including coronaviruses, and is more effective at killing germs than non-alcohol-based sanitizers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum alcohol percentage | 60% |
| Maximum alcohol percentage | 95% |
| Active ingredients | Ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or benzalkonium chloride |
| Effectiveness | May not work for all types of germs, may reduce growth instead of killing them |
| Effectiveness compared to handwashing | Less effective than handwashing with soap and water |
| Safety | Safe when used as directed, but can cause alcohol poisoning if swallowed |
| Safety for children | Should be stored out of the reach of children |
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What You'll Learn
Hand sanitizers with 60-95% alcohol kill most viruses
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible. This is because handwashing reduces the amount of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. However, if soap and water are not available, the CDC recommends using a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol to help avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Hand sanitiser with 60-95% alcohol is more effective at killing most viruses than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
Many studies have found that sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60–95% are more effective at killing germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Hand sanitisers without 60-95% alcohol may not work equally well for many types of germs and may merely reduce the growth of germs rather than kill them outright. Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)-based hand sanitisers are safe when used as directed, but they can cause alcohol poisoning if a person swallows more than a couple of mouthfuls. From 2011 to 2015, U.S. poison control centres received nearly 85,000 calls about hand sanitiser exposures among children. Children may be particularly likely to swallow hand sanitisers that are scented, brightly coloured, or attractively packaged. Hand sanitisers should be stored out of the reach of young children and should be used with adult supervision.
The CDC recommends using a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol. Researchers in a new study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a journal of the CDC, found that using hand sanitiser for at least 30 seconds can effectively deactivate the novel coronavirus. The study was based on hand sanitisers recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), or those that contain either 80% ethanol or 75% isopropyl alcohol. However, it is important to note that hand sanitiser does not rid all germs and may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Additionally, hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals. In other words, handwashing with soap and water should be the go-to, when possible.
According to the CDC, when using hand sanitiser, apply the product to the palm of one hand and rub the product all over the surfaces of your hands until your hands are dry. Instructing people to cover all surfaces of both hands with hand sanitiser has been found to provide similar disinfection effectiveness as providing detailed steps for rubbing in hand sanitiser.
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Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are less effective
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are recommended to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Hand sanitizers with 60-90% alcohol content are considered the most effective at killing germs.
While alcohol-free hand sanitizers may be less drying to the skin and safer for children, they are not as effective at killing germs. They may be suitable for those with sensitive skin or for use around children, but they are not as potent as alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
It is important to note that hand sanitizer does not eliminate all germs, and it may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Handwashing with soap and water is still recommended as the best way to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for hand sanitizers increased, and the FDA played a critical role in assessing the needs and circumstances related to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. They issued temporary guidance to provide regulatory flexibility to manufacturers to meet the demand for these products.
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![McKesson Hand Sanitizer with Aloe, 18 oz Pump Bottle [Pack of 2] – 70% Ethyl Alcohol, Spring Water Scent, No-Rinse Gel with Vitamin E and Moisturizers, Medical-Grade Sanitizer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71HhMdCiB3L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Washing hands with soap and water is more effective than hand sanitizers
To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the CDC recommends having hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol concentration. However, washing hands with soap and water is more effective than using hand sanitizers. Firstly, hand sanitizers do not rid hands of all germs and may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Secondly, hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals from hands. In fact, in one study, people who reported using hand sanitizer to clean hands had increased levels of pesticides in their bodies.
Washing hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. According to Japanese researchers, washing hands under running water, even without soap, is more effective at stopping the spread of flu germs than using ethanol-based hand sanitizers. The rubbing action of your hands removes the mucus that surrounds the virus, and the virus is washed down the drain.
Hand sanitizers are only recommended when soap and water are not readily available. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs. For example, Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile are removed more effectively by washing hands with soap and water.
Furthermore, hand sanitizers can be toxic and even lethal to young children if ingested. Therefore, it is important to keep hand sanitizers out of the reach of children. Overall, while hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol concentration can be useful when soap and water are unavailable, washing hands with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs and certain types of viruses.
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Hand sanitizers may not work well with heavily soiled or greasy hands
Hand sanitizers are a convenient alternative when handwashing with soap and water is not an option. However, it's important to note that hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are heavily soiled or greasy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective against the coronavirus. This concentration is crucial because lower percentages may not kill all types of germs and may only reduce their growth. While hand sanitizers with the recommended alcohol percentage can quickly reduce microbes on hands, they are most effective in clinical settings like hospitals, where hands typically encounter germs but are not heavily soiled.
In community settings, hands can become greasy or heavily soiled through activities such as cooking, gardening, sports, camping, or fishing. When hands are in this condition, hand sanitizers may not work as well. This is because hand sanitizers primarily target microbes and may not effectively remove certain types of germs or harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals. Therefore, it is always recommended to wash your hands with soap and water when possible, especially when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that hand sanitizers with attractive scents, bright colours, or packaging can be dangerous if ingested, especially for children. Even small amounts of hand sanitizer can be toxic and lethal to young children. Therefore, it is essential to keep hand sanitizers out of the reach of children and always supervise their use.
Overall, while hand sanitizers with 60% alcohol can be useful when soap and water are not available, they may not be as effective on heavily soiled or greasy hands. In such cases, handwashing with soap and water is the recommended approach to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection.
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Homemade hand sanitizers are not recommended
To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the CDC recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content. Homemade hand sanitizers, however, are not recommended for several reasons.
Firstly, commercial hand sanitizers produced by reputable manufacturers have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness. On the other hand, homemade hand sanitizers may not be as reliable in terms of quality and efficacy. The concentration of active ingredients, such as alcohol, can vary widely in homemade products, and improper formulation may render them ineffective against the coronavirus.
Secondly, the production of hand sanitizers by non-specialists carries inherent risks. Isopropyl alcohol, which is commonly used in homemade hand sanitizers, is highly flammable and requires careful handling. Without the proper equipment and expertise, the manufacturing process could pose safety hazards.
Thirdly, homemade hand sanitizers may not provide the same level of protection as commercial products. Commercial hand sanitizers are formulated with specific ratios of alcohol and other ingredients to maximize their antimicrobial efficacy. They are also often infused with moisturizing agents to counteract the drying effects of alcohol. In contrast, homemade hand sanitizers may not achieve the same balance, potentially leading to skin irritation or inadequate protection.
Furthermore, the durability and stability of homemade hand sanitizers are questionable. Commercial hand sanitizers are designed and packaged to maintain their potency over time, whereas homemade alternatives may experience faster evaporation of alcohol, rendering them less effective with prolonged storage.
Lastly, the availability of commercial hand sanitizers has improved since the initial stages of the pandemic. The increased demand prompted regulatory bodies like the FDA to issue temporary guidance, allowing certain manufacturers to ramp up production and meet consumer needs. As a result, the supply of commercial hand sanitizers has increased, making them more accessible to the general public.
In conclusion, while homemade hand sanitizers may seem like a convenient option, they come with inherent risks and uncertainties. To ensure maximum protection against the coronavirus, it is advisable to opt for commercial hand sanitizers that meet the CDC's recommendations for alcohol content and follow proper hand hygiene practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective against the coronavirus. Some sources recommend sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60% and 95%.
No, not all hand sanitizers are equally effective against the coronavirus. Hand sanitizers with less than 60% alcohol are less effective at killing bacteria and fungi and may only reduce the growth of germs rather than killing them.
The three active ingredients to look for on the label are ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or benzalkonium chloride.
Hand sanitizers are a practical alternative when soap and water are not available, but handwashing with soap and water is more effective at removing certain kinds of germs and chemicals.
