Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a convenient means of controlling infection in healthcare settings. However, these solutions are associated with a number of hazards that must be taken into account.
Alcohols used in hand sanitizers include:
(1) ethanol
(2) isopropanol
These alcohols constitute 60-95% of the product.
Risks associated with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
(1) fire and burns
(2) intoxication by ingestion
(3) false positive test for ethanol ingestion (ethyl glucuronide, other) conducted to confirm abstinence
Fire hazards:
(1) bulk storage of containers
(2) exposure to open flame shortly after application (in kitchen, in laboratory, lighting a cigarette, other)
People who may become intoxicated:
(1) alcoholics
(2) prisoners
(3) psychiatric patients
(4) children
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
