ALCOHOL-BASED HAND SANITIZERS HAVE THEIR LIMITS. WE TELL YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have their limits. We tell you everything you need to know.
The popularity of hand sanitizer has increased in recent years as a result of the fight against COVID-19. Many people carry them around constantly in their bags or at home.
But did we really question ourselves on the components and effects of alcohol-based handsanitizer before smearing it all over our body and everything that we own?
Here are some facts that you should know about them:
1. Level of chemicals
One of the issues with harsh chemicals is the critical need to respect the right level of chemical in the end solution.
Recently no less than 18 hand sanitizers got recalled by HSA (Health Sciences Authority) as it turned out that the levels of acetaldehyde and/or methanol were above the recommended limits thus being toxic. (click here for more info on that matter).
2. Endocrine Disruptors
If you are concerned about endocrine disruptors found in alcohol-based hand sanitizers, you can always avoid those 3 chemicals by reading the labels:
Triclosan or triclocarban acts as endocrine disruptors and may interfere with thyroid and reproductive hormones. It has been banned by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the US but is still allowed in Singapore.
Phthalates, found in synthetic fragrances to help the scents last longer, are endocrine disrupters that mimic hormones and could alter genital development.
Parabens, which are in many skin care products. They are used to preserve other ingredients and extend a product’s shelf life. They also act like estrogen in your body and disrupt your hormone system.
3. Children Safety
Most hand sanitizers contain a large amount of ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. To avoid accidental ingestion, hand sanitizers should be stored away from, and out of sight of children.
4. Flammable Products
As you can see on the pictograms of any alcohol-based hand sanitizer, these are highly flammable and can cause serious injuries like this Singaporean who accidentally set her arms on fire when turning on her kitchen stove after disinfecting her hands and arms (as reported by 8World News).
When using it, make sure that you rub the product all over the surfaces of your hands until your hands are dry. This is to avoid having any alcohol remaining on your hands and exposing yourself to fire risk should you be near any open flames.
5. Harsh for your skin
We all know the feeling of dry hands after using some alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Now if you take the time to have a look on the floor right below the hand sanitizer dispensers in the MRT, you can see the impact of the alcohol on the marble floor...
MRT agents have to patch the floor with an additional layer of material to protect the marble!
No need to mention why marble was chosen to pave our MRT stations. It is for its durability over time.
So when you see the impact of small drops of alcohol-based hand sanitizers on it after a few months you can imagine the impact on your skin!
6. aquama® as an alternative to alcohol-based sanitizers
It sounds pretty simple as an alternative to wash our hands with aquama®. It’s safe, quick, portable, and convenient, especially when you don’t have running water nearby.
It is also safe for your kids and does not require any storage attention.
Made from only water, salt and electricity, aquama® is a gentle yet effective disinfectant and detergent that contains no endocrine disruptors or allergens, non-flammable and is certified to guard against COVID-19.
You can free your mind and keep your family safe at the same time!
With the Freedom S® you can create your own aquama® disinfectant solution anywhere, anytime.
This portable device just requires 200ml of water, 2g of Indigo® salt and four pushes of the power button to create your own hand sanitizer that can kill viruses like Covid-19 within 30 seconds.
Want to try it?
Book a demo with Diane (dfauvel@aquama.com).
Or purchase it online here.