Consumers have rushed to the store to buy Hand Sanitizers, but what are they? What are the CDC, FDA, and EPA saying? Is Sterillium the safest ingredient for hand sanitizers? What are the other benefits and risks associated with the various hand sanitizers? And are they necessary? Read on to learn more. You may be surprised to learn that these hand sanitizers are only a few dollars each, and you may have never thought of using one before.
EPA
A new regulation imposes stricter requirements for the handling and disposal of hand sanitizers. In addition to the hazardous waste requirements, hand sanitizers are also classified as commercial chemicals under the RCRA, which means that they may not be disposed of as waste. Companies handling hand sanitizers must be able to show that the product is part of a known market or that a second party uses it in the production process. In some cases, such as when sanitizers are sold in bulk form, the packaging of a sanitizer may prevent recyclability, and the company handling the material must provide proper documentation that it is not a waste.
The EPA maintains a list of registered disinfectants. The list is updated periodically, and reflects changes in labeling, cancellations, and product transfers. EPA registration does not indicate endorsement of a particular disinfectant product over another. Users must read the label of the product before applying it, and must check the EPA’s approval before using it. EPA hand sanitizers are listed on the EPA’s official website.
CDC
CDC hand Sanitizers are widely available in the market. They are widely marketed for their efficacy and safety. They are considered over the counter (OTC) drugs and are regulated by the FDA. According to the FDA, a hand sanitizer must have an expiration date before it can no longer provide the same level of efficacy. This date is calculated according to the manufacturer’s estimate of the time required to deplete the active ingredient to 90%. As the active ingredient is gradually lost, a freshly opened bottle of sanitizer will contain less alcohol.
According to the CDC, methanol poisoning caused by alcohol-based hand sanitizers is rare but can cause severe health effects. Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is highly toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. All 15 people affected by this poisoning reported using a hand sanitizer. Blood tests proved that they had ingested one. Among the affected patients, four people died and three others developed vision problems.
FDA
In order to be labeled as an OTC drug, a hand sanitizer must follow certain guidelines set by the FDA. These guidelines govern the design and monitoring of the manufacturing process and ensure that the finished product meets certain standards. In addition to this, the hand sanitizer must comply with the FDA’s requirements for labeling, including its OTC drug monograph. The labeling of hand sanitizers must also meet FDA requirements, including the statement of identity, net volume of the product’s contents, the name of the manufacturer, the expiration date, and the Drug Facts panel with the active ingredient.
In its guidance, the FDA warned consumers about the dangers of methanol, commonly referred to as wood alcohol. While methanol may not be harmful by itself, it can lead to serious side effects when absorbed through the skin. Ingestion of the substance can cause blindness or death. However, the FDA understands the business and economic reasons for forgoing the denaturation process. Still, consumers should check the label of their hand sanitizers to make sure they are not contaminated with methanol.
Sterillium
Despite its name, Sterillium is a hand sanitizer that is effective both inside and outside the hospital. Its ingredients are proven to fight disease-causing microorganisms on the hands. Because these microorganisms are the most common source of infection, it is essential to use sterilium hand sanitizers with the highest efficacy. Its formula is gentle enough to be used on hands that are not particularly soiled.
This hygienic hand disinfectant is an alcohol-based rub-in solution that kills bacteria and reduces resident skin flora for up to 30 seconds. Because of its long-term efficacy, Sterillium Hand Sanitizer is compatible with all other hand hygiene products. This hand sanitizer is also effective against viruses, yeast, and fungi. It dries quickly and has a pleasant fragrance. The bottle also contains full details of the manufacturer.
Gojo
GOJO, the manufacturer of a popular brand of hand sanitizer, recently obtained a patent for the name Purell. This product was the first alcohol-based hand sanitizer to be developed as a thick gel. The thick gel’s composition contained a thickening agent called acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer. Previously, alcohol-based hand sanitizers were messy and annoying, and the viscosity made them easy to portion out. Furthermore, the formula was designed to moisturize hands as well, which was a big plus in its favor.
In 1946, Goldie Lippman and her husband, Jerome Lippman, founded a hand cleaner company called GOJO. They repurposed pickle jars to hold their product. In a few decades, the company was selling GOJO Hand Cleaner out of the trunk of their car. The GOJO brand has become one of the largest private employers in the Akron area, and has since diversified to become a hygienic hand wash solution for both commercial and industrial environments.
