Negative Effects Of Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizers are used to disinfect millions of hands every day. This product has been thoroughly examined to understand potential negative effects. A common misconception is that alcohol-based hand sanitizers can damage skin. Several studies have concluded that alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not damage the skin more than washing with soap and water. However, there are potential negative effects associated with the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Eliminating Germs

Hand sanitizer with isopropyl alcohol may instantly kill up to 99.99 percent of non-spore forming bacteria in less than 30 seconds. Although isopropyl alcohol is effective at eliminating various kinds of bacteria and viruses, application of hand sanitizer does not kill all types of bacteria. For example, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are significantly ineffective against the norovirus and rabies virus. However, hand sanitizers that contain benzalkonium chloride eliminate the norovirus.

According to a study conducted at East Tennessee State University, the concentration of isopropyl alcohol determines effectiveness. Products that contain a low percentage, such as 40 percent, are not as effective as products that contain a higher percentage. Researchers suggest products contain a concentration of over 70 percent isopropyl alcohol as the sanitation standard for hospitals and clinics.

Current Studies

Researchers do not yet completely know of the potential negative effects of hand sanitizers. An article in a 2006 issue of American Journal of Infection Control reported a case study of a physician testing various hand sanitizers for hospital use. After two hours of testing the hand sanitizers by complying with the product directions, the blood alcohol level significantly increased in the physician. Researchers believe that the alcohol in the hand sanitizers seeped through the skin and into blood circulation. There was only a trace amount of alcohol detected. Research is needed to understand this effect.

Although average use of hand sanitizers normally would not require multiple applications in a couple hours, health professionals apply hand sanitizers frequently. For example, staff working in a hospital emergency room frequently use hand sanitizers to reduce infection. Research is being conducted on the negative effects associated with high-frequency applications.

Alternatives

Alcohol-free hand sanitizers provide an alternative to alcohol-based products. Alcohol-free hand sanitizers contain a germ-killing ingredient called benzalkonium chloride. Benzalkonium chloride, used in various products for over 50 years, has been FDA-approved for use in hand sanitizers. Benzalkonium chloride kills 99.99 percent of germs within 30 seconds--the same as alcohol. In addition, benzalkonium chloride kills a comparable variety of bacteria, viruses and fungi, such as HIV, hepatitis A and B, TB, salmonella, E-coli, and Clostridium difficile.

The occasional use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers does not seem to have serious negative effects. If you are concerned with using alcohol-based products, alcohol-free hand sanitizers are available. However, hand sanitizers, alcohol-based and alcohol-free, do not remove dirt and grime. Hand sanitizers are for disinfection, not for cleaning.