Why Use Ethanol-Based Hand Sanitizer to Avoid Health Risks
Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of public health and disease prevention. While washing hands with soap and water is highly effective, hand sanitizers have become an essential tool for maintaining hand hygiene, especially when soap and water are not readily available. Ethanol-based hand sanitizers, in particular, have been proven to be effective and safe, making them a preferable choice for many.
The Importance of Hand Hygiene
The practice of hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Hands are a primary vehicle for transmitting pathogens, which can lead to illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe infections. Regularly cleaning your hands can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Hand Washing vs. Hand Sanitizing
You are able to remove almost all types of germs from your hands simply by washing your hands with soap and water. Hand sanitizer (also called hand antiseptic or hand rub), however, is used to kill certain pathogens on the skin that normal soap and water cannot. It is an agent available in the form of liquid, foam, or gel in the stores. The main ingredient of all hand sanitizers is alcohol (although there are still some hand sanitizers that don’t contain alcohol).
When to Use Hand Sanitizer
In most situations, washing your hands with soap and water is enough, so you don’t always need to use hand sanitizer. However, there are specific instances where hand sanitizers are particularly useful:
- When Soap and Water Are Unavailable: If you are in a situation where you can’t access soap and water, using hand sanitizer is an effective alternative. Carrying a personal bottle of hand sanitizer can help ensure you can clean your hands whenever necessary.
- Visiting Hospitals: If you are going to visit a person you know in the hospital, use hand sanitizer to get your hands germ-free before and after visiting them. This is crucial for preventing the spread of hospital-acquired infections. However, if the patient is affected by Clostridioides difficile, use soap and water instead of hand sanitizer.
- After Coughing, Sneezing, or Blowing Your Nose: These activities can spread germs to your hands, which can then be transferred to other surfaces or people. Clean your hands with hand sanitizer immediately and rub your hands for about 20 seconds.
When Not to Use Hand Sanitizer
While hand sanitizer is effective in many situations, there are times when soap and water are preferable:
- When Hands Are Visibly Dirty or Greasy: If your hands are dirty or greasy after outdoor work like gardening, camping, or fishing, washing with soap and water is more effective than using hand sanitizer.
- Dealing with Certain Pathogens: Soap and water can be more effective than hand sanitizer in removing pathogens like Cryptosporidium, Clostridioides difficile, and norovirus.
- After Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: When you have touched harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals such as lead, it’s advised to wash your hands with soap and water rather than applying hand sanitizer.
Knowing the difference between the effectiveness and choice of hand washing with soap and water, and hand rubbing with hand sanitizer is very important as it pertains to different applications. That knowledge will help you prevent sickness better.
Why Always Use Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer
Alcohol is the main ingredient of most sanitizers available on the market. There are still some hand sanitizers that are sold without alcohol, and you should always avoid those that don’t contain alcohol.
Effective Concentration
Check the composition of the hand sanitizer you are buying and ensure there is at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol content in the hand sanitizers denatures proteins, which then neutralizes the viruses and bacteria on the hand’s surface area. For alcohol-based hand sanitizers, a 60 to 95% ethanol or isopropanol is recommended.
Avoiding Non-Food Grade Alcohols
Most cheaper hand sanitizers available on the market use non-food grade alcohol that contains methanol. Methanol can be detrimental to health as it can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Food grade alcohol or ethanol is the better alternative that helps avoid health risks while wiping down surface areas, destroying bacteria, and preventing cross-contamination. It has no such poisons as those cheaper products contain, so it is safe although repeated use of ethanol may dry or irritate your skin. To mitigate this, avoid overuse of any hand sanitizer.
The Advantages of Ethanol-Based Hand Sanitizers
Safe & Efficient
Ethanol is a highly effective antimicrobial agent. It works by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Unlike some other disinfectants, ethanol-based sanitizers are effective against a wide range of pathogens without the need for additional chemicals that can cause harm.
Minimal Residue
Ethanol evaporates quickly, leaving no residue on the skin. This is particularly important for individuals with sensitive skin or those who are concerned about the buildup of chemicals from repeated use. The quick evaporation also means that ethanol-based sanitizers dry quickly, making them convenient for on-the-go use.
Low Risk of Resistance
The overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While some bacteria can develop resistance to certain disinfectants, the mechanism of action of ethanol makes it unlikely for resistance to develop. This makes ethanol a reliable choice for ongoing use.
Versatility
Ethanol-based hand sanitizers can be used in various settings, from healthcare facilities to schools and workplaces. Their effectiveness and ease of use make them suitable for a broad audience, ensuring widespread adoption and consistent hand hygiene practices.
Manufacturing High-Quality Hand Sanitizers
If you are into manufacturing hand sanitizers and are looking for a high-quality food grade alcohol that has the highest efficacy, Extractohol is the right choice for you.
Why Extractohol?
Extractohol offers both 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol and 190 Proof Natural Food Grade Sugar Cane Alcohol. These products are ideal for creating high-quality hand sanitizers that are effective, safe, and pleasant to use.
Superior Quality
Extractohol ensures that their ethanol is of the highest purity, free from harmful contaminants like methanol. This purity is crucial for creating a hand sanitizer that is both effective and safe for repeated use.
Customer Satisfaction
Customers who switch to using Extractohol for their hand sanitizers often notice a significant improvement in the quality of the final product. The high purity and effectiveness of Extractohol’s ethanol result in a superior hand sanitizer that users find pleasant and effective.
Supporting Health and Safety
By choosing Extractohol, manufacturers can produce hand sanitizers that help protect public health without compromising safety. This commitment to quality ensures that consumers have access to effective hand hygiene products that they can trust.
Conclusion
Ethanol-based hand sanitizers are an essential tool for maintaining hand hygiene and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Their effectiveness, safety, and ease of use make them a preferred choice for many people.
Understanding when and how to use hand sanitizer, and choosing a high-quality product like those made with Extractohol, can help ensure that you are effectively protecting your health. Whether you are a consumer looking for a reliable hand sanitizer or a manufacturer aiming to produce the best product possible, ethanol-based hand sanitizers are the clear choice.
Investing in high-quality ethanol like Extractohol ensures that hand sanitizers are safe, effective, and pleasant to use, ultimately supporting better health outcomes and greater peace of mind.
