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The concern over all types of Infectious Diseases had spurred much interest in hand sanitizers. The H1N1 flu epidemic had a major effect on attitudes toward hand hygiene. As a result, hand sanitizers are given away at health fairs and are also seen in large containers for public use. Walk into a restaurant and you will observe hand sanitizer. Before going into a hospital room you might notice hand sanitizer just outside of the door. People now carry hand sanitizer in their automobiles, gym bags and purses. As a result the hand sanitizer industry is a booming business. The question is, are hand sanitizers as effective as soap and water in killing infectious pathogens?
Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious disease. When soap and water are available hand washing should be the choice for cleaning and removing pathogens from the hands. The friction of rubbing the hands helps loosen dirt and germs and using running water to rinse the hands removes germs from them. However when soap and water are not options, hand sanitizer can reduce pathogens to a safe level that will prevent the spread of infection. Alcohol based sanitizers have been found very effective in killing germs on the hands. Hand sanitizing gels should be at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective. The Centers for Disease Control recommend placing the hand sanitizer in one palm and rubbing it over all surfaces of the hands until it is dry.
Anytime the hands are contaminated hand washing or using a hand sanitizer is necessarily. Hands can become contaminated after touching raw meat, using the restroom, and after touching pets, livestock or other animals. Additionally hands should always be washed after sneezing, coughing or blowing one’s nose. Child care providers should also practice good hand hygiene; and make sure that soap and water or hand sanitizer is available for children to keep their hands clean whether in the classroom or on the playground.
The bottom line is, whether soap and water or hand sanitizer is used, it is refreshing to see individuals taking responsibility for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
What else can I help you with?
Which is better, hand sanitizer or handwashing?
handwashing
How often should you use hand sanitizer?
Hand sanitizer should be used when soap and water are not readily available, especially after touching surfaces in public places, before eating, and after using the restroom. It’s important to use a sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol for effective germ killing. While it's a good alternative, regular handwashing with soap and water is still the preferred method for cleaning hands when possible. Overusing hand sanitizer can lead to skin irritation, so balance its use with proper handwashing.
What happens when you mix soap and handsanitizer?
Mixing soap and hand sanitizer can create a soapy, gel-like substance that may not be as effective for cleaning hands. It is recommended to use either soap and water for handwashing or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol for sanitizing hands, but not to mix them together.
Where was hand sanitizer invented?
Hand sanitizer was invented in the United States in 1966 by Lupe Hernandez, a nurse in California. She created a gel-based alcohol solution to help healthcare professionals maintain hand hygiene when handwashing facilities were not readily available.
How does hand sanitizer gets viscosity testings?
Hand sanitizer viscosity testing is typically done using a viscometer, which measures the resistance of the hand sanitizer to flow. The viscometer provides a numerical value that indicates the viscosity of the hand sanitizer. This testing is important to ensure that the hand sanitizer has the correct texture and consistency for effective use.
Why does hand sanitizer have an expiration date?
Hand sanitizer may become less effective over time as the alcohol content can evaporate or degrade, reducing its ability to kill germs. An expiration date helps ensure that the product is still safe and effective to use. It is always recommended to check the expiration date before using hand sanitizer.
Are hand sanitizer and alcohol based disinfectants effective at eliminating pinworm eggs?
Hand sanitizer and alcohol based disinfectants are effective at eliminating the eggs of pinworms. Other measures need to be taken to eliminate the eggs such as medicating the person infected.
Can hand sanitizer effectively clean glasses?
No, hand sanitizer is not effective for cleaning glasses. It may leave streaks or damage the lenses. It is best to use a lens cleaner specifically designed for glasses.
What is a QUAT based sanitizer?
A quat based hand sanitizer is a product that is based on Quaternary Ammonum Comounds (Quats). Benzithonium Chloride and Benzyalchonum Chloride are two common Quats. They are an effective hard surface sanitizer and have recently been emerging as an alternative ingredient to alcohol in the hand sanitizer market.
When should I apply hand sanitizer?
Alcohol based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% of alcohol is helpful in protecting the spread of infections. However, handwashing with soap and water is the best way to ensure personal hygiene. But what if soap and water are not available? Hand sanitizer is a good option when taking public transportation, while using public utilities. Carrying the “on the go” pack of hand sanitizer makes it easy to clean your hands at these places. Applying just 4-5 drops of hand sanitizer on the palm of your hand and then rub it across both hands and tips of the finger.
How does hand sanitizer go bad?
Hand sanitizer can go bad by losing its effectiveness over time, as the alcohol content may evaporate or deteriorate. Exposure to air, sunlight, or high temperatures can also contribute to the degradation of hand sanitizer, making it less effective at killing germs.
Was Purell hand sanitizer the first instant hand sanitizer?
no
