Changes in handwashing and hygiene product usage patterns in Korea before and after the outbreak of COVID-19

Abstract

Background The World Health Organization declared COVID-19, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing, handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and wearing facial masks are recommended as the first line of protection against COVID-19. Encouraging hand hygiene may be one of the most cost-effective means of reducing the global burden of disease. Methods This study uses a web-based questionnaire to evaluate the usage patterns and consumer perceptions of the effectiveness and health safety of bar soap, liquid hand soap, and hand sanitizer products before and after the spread of COVID-19. Results The results show that since the outbreak of COVID-19, the number of consumers who primarily use bar soap has decreased from 71.8 to 51.4%, the number of those who primarily use liquid hand soap has increased from 23.5 to 41.3%, and the number of those who use and carry hand sanitizer has increased. The frequency of use, duration of use, and amount used of all three products have increased significantly since the COVID-19 outbreak. Finally, consumer perception of the products’ preventive effect against COVID-19 is higher for liquid hand soap and hand sanitizer than it is for bar soap. Conclusions Because use of hand sanitizers has increased, public health guidelines must address the potential risks associated them. Our data also show that the public is abiding by the recommendations of the regulatory authorities. As handwashing has become important in preventing COVID-19 infections, the results of our study will support the development of better handwashing guidelines and a public health campaign.

Diet and Hygiene in Modulating Autoimmunity During the Pandemic Era

“…Hygiene can disrupt microbiota diversity ( 387 – 389 ), and a positive correlation has been found between microbiota dysbiosis and the increase of autoimmune conditions such as IBD ( 390 – 392 ) and SLE ( 393 – 397 ). This concern is escalating due to the current COVID-19 pandemic that witnessed a dramatic increase in hygiene practices including the use of detergents and disinfectants ( 398 – 400 ). In fact, these control measures may have long-term consequences on the human microbiome ( 401 , 402 ).…”

“…current COVID-19 pandemic that witnessed a dramatic increase in hygiene practices including the use of detergents and disinfectants (398)(399)(400). In fact, these control measures may have long-term consequences on the human microbiome (401,402).…”

Occurrence and Transport of Isothiazolinone-Type Biocides from Commercial Products to Aquatic Environment and Environmental Risk Assessment

“…The presence of such high levels of isothiazolinone in wastewater treatment plants can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, during which a much larger amount of cleaning (disinfectants, sanitizers, detergents, and other cleaning products) and personal care products (hand soap, body wash, cleaning gel, and shampoo) was used [28,29]. After the use of products containing biocides (personal care products, cosmetics, detergents) as well as their use to remove biofilm deposited on pipes, a higher amount of biocide is discharged with domestic wastewater into the sewer network, reaching its end in WWTPs.…”

“…Their widespread uses and the improper disposal of the waste that contains such compounds in their chemical formulation could be the principal sources for the occurrence of biocides in surface waters. Since biocides have shown toxicity on aquatic organisms (Table S7), their presence at high levels in surface waters may present adverse effects on aquatic biota, the most common being slowing or stopping cellular growing [28]. Moreover, potential health hazards of these organic pollutants for human health by consuming aquatic organisms is not to be neglected, as recent studies suggested a potential cytotoxicity effect on human liver and neuronal cell lines [30][31][32].…”

Assessment of eco-toxic effects of commonly used water disinfectant on zebrafish (Danio rerio) swimming behaviour and recovery responses: an early-warning biomarker approach

“…Failure of water treatment systems in inactivating pathogens has resulted in outbreaks of many waterborne diseases and illnesses. Disinfectants are the best option for eradicating microbes in water treatment systems and other fields (aquaculture, agriculture, domestic purposes, and health care centres) (Holm et al 2019 ; Yun et al 2020 ; Choi et al 2021 ; Huang et al 2021 ). Different kinds of disinfectants were commercially available (totally 131 household products) for use (Goh et al 2021 ).…”