Alcohol-based hand sanitizer – composition, proper use and precautions

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) increased worldwide among the public as well as the health care workers in pursuit to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus of COVID-19. Hand hygiene is one of the primary preventive measures to prevent the spread of harmful germs. Although ABHS are effective hand hygiene products and help reduce the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms, appropriate use of such products is necessary to ensure the maximum killing of pathogens and to prevent hazards associated with ABHS. The effectiveness of ABHS against different microorganisms, including SARS-CoV-2 is also documented, but proper knowledge on hand hygiene techniques, selection of appropriate hand sanitizer product, and safe handling of ABHS are required to avoid their adverse effects such as allergies, skin irritation, lung injury, fire hazards, and toxicities. The effectiveness of ABHS is dependent on several factors including its appropriate usage, manufacturing methods, the choice of active agents, and the appropriateness of the agent on the target pathogen. This article highlights the importance of proper usage, handling, and appropriate ABHS selection for maximum efficacy against intended pathogens and safe use of ABHS. User awareness can help promote the appropriate usage of ABHS and prevent its hazards, which ultimately can help in preventing the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. Keywords Sanitizer, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, COVID-19, hand hygiene Introduction1The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted the importance of preventive infection control measures in decreasing transmission, specifically: maintenance of proper hygiene, use of masks and other facial coverings, social distancing and self-isolation of patients presenting symptoms of acute respiratory

Sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 towards Alcohols: Potential for Alcohol-Related Toxicity in Humans

“…Though variable concentrations of alcohol can be found in ABHS, typically 70-85% ethanol or isopropanol is the most common during COVID-19. Available reports suggest that similar to other coronavirus family members, SARS-CoV-2 can be neutralized by ABHS with alcohol content of ≥70% v/v [106]. Although the effectiveness of ABHS against SARS-CoV-2 appears to be convincing, there are reasonable concerns of oral, dermal, or pulmonary absorption, leading to potential of systemic and/or dermal toxicities.…”

Formulasi dan Pengujian Aktivitas Antibakteri Sediaan Gel Hand Sanitizer Berbahan Aktif Kitooligosakarida

“…Laporan kasus oleh Inder & Kumar, (2020), penggunaan hand sanitizer berbahan aktif alkohol yang berlebihan selama pandemi COVID-19 menyebabkan peradangan dan ruam pada kulit tangan, hal ini disebabkan selain dapat melarutkan lemak pada lapisan luar virus, tetapi hand sanitizer ini juga menyebabkan kerusakan struktural protein pada lapisan terluar kulit inang bersamaan dengan perubahan lipid antar sel sehingga mengarah ke peradangan dan kekeringan kulit. Penelitian oleh Saha et al, (2021) juga menyebutkan hal yang sama terkait kontak langsung antara kulit dan bahan alkohol menyebabkan iritasi kulit dan reaksi alergi pada orang yang sensitif terhadap alkohol serta insiden permasalahan kulit tangan, seperti kemerahan, nyeri, gatal, dan rasa seperti terbakar yang lebih tinggi pada petugas kesehatan selama pandemi COVID-19 berkaitan dengan meningkatnya frekuensi penggunaan pembersih tangan.…”

Smart elastomer sanitizer with chemically bonded active compound and on‐demand‐release antimicrobial functionalities

“…All these formulations contained disinfectants and chemicals will persist in the environment and pose a hazardous threat to the public health. 3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Common active ingredients in commercial disinfection products include alcohols, peroxides, phenoxyethanol, polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB), ethylhexylglycerin, triclosan, and quaternary ammonium chloride compounds (QACs) such as chlorhexidine, benzalkonium chloride (BZK), and so on. 5,12 Other inactive ingredients in these liquid formulations also increased the risk of undesirable chemical exposure to the public, such as potential carcinogens, 8,13 allergens, 14,15 or poisonous impurities.…”

“…Currently, hand or surface sanitizers are all liquid‐based products which can be mainly categorized as alcohol or non‐alcohol based. All these formulations contained disinfectants and chemicals will persist in the environment and pose a hazardous threat to the public health 3,5–11 . Common active ingredients in commercial disinfection products include alcohols, peroxides, phenoxyethanol, polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB), ethylhexylglycerin, triclosan, and quaternary ammonium chloride compounds (QACs) such as chlorhexidine, benzalkonium chloride (BZK), and so on 5,12 .…”