In the absence of soap and water, hand hygiene protocol recommends using a hand sanitizer. There are three active ingredients approved for hand sanitizer manufacturing; one is alcohol-free (benzalkonium chloride, “BZK”), and two are alcohols (ethanol, isopropyl). Trending amid the global health crisis are injuries and deaths from accidental and international misuse and abuse of alcohol-based hand sanitizers among children and adults. Sub-par manufacturing practices with alcohol-based hand sanitizers triggered an ongoing government warning. The public has been alerted to alcohol-based hand sanitizer in food and beverage packaging, with added flavors and colors and known brands containing deadly contaminants (methanol, 1-propanol). All the while, alcohol-free hand sanitizer has maintained a stellar reputation.
The history of hand sanitizer dates back to 1847. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer was first introduced to the public in 1965. Fifty-five years later, in 2020, a major industry advancement occurred with the launch of alcohol-free hand, body, and surface sanitizers as a complete solution to safely restore industries, institutions, businesses, and public safety. Science and medical research now prove that alcohol-free hand sanitizer is far superior in effectiveness, compared to alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Knowing the difference between alcohol-free and alcohol-based hand sanitizer allows freedom of choice with personal, child, and public safety.
ALCOHOL-FREE BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE (BZK) A QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUND
Quaternary ammonium compounds were tested, proven to be superior, and are supported by the science community. Also known as “QACs” and “quats”, quaternary ammonium compounds have a natural, long-lasting nature. The QAC benzalkonium chloride is the alcohol-free active ingredient in hand sanitizer formulations while other quaternary amines are used in surface sanitizing products.
Non-toxic, eco-friendly quaternary ammonium compounds are classified as organic salts (can be synthesized). Discovered in 1916 for germicidal properties, QACs are also non-flammable, non-toxic, and anti-static.
Used for sanitizing in the food preparation industry for 90-years, everyday use consumer products containing QACs include surface, hands and skin sanitizers, surfactants (detergents, shampoos), fabric softeners, anti-static fabric treatments, baby wipes, mouthwash, and ophthalmological solutions.
How do QACs differ from alcohols?
ALCOHOLS (ETHANOL, ISOPROPYL)
The two approved alcohols as active ingredients in hand sanitizer are ethanol and isopropyl or “rubbing” alcohol. A little-known fact about alcohol-based hand sanitizer is that it is only effective against germs when wet. Alcohol “wet time” is 20-seconds regardless of the type of alcohol that is used to make an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Therefore, reapplying alcohol-based hand sanitizer is required to achieve ongoing effectiveness against germs. Overuse of alcohol-based hand sanitizers also leads to skin irritation, rashes, and corrosion. Disrupting the skin’s natural acid mantle creates an open pathway for germs to enter the body.
Everyday use products made with isopropyl “rubbing” alcohol include anti-freeze and glass cleaner. Products made with ethanol alcohol include adult alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and gasoline. Methanol “grain” alcohol is closely related to ethanol and has contaminated ethanol-based alcohol hand sanitizer brands. One third (1/3) “shot” of methanol can blind an adult, and one (1) “shot” of methanol can kill an adult.
As witnessed in the culinary arts with flambé, alcohol is highly flammable with a flashpoint of 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Static electricity can spark a fire in the right conditions, although rare. In dry, hot conditions, static electricity is a factor to be aware of with public safety. Fire safety codes now require storing more than five (5) gallons of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in offsite locations equipped with fire sprinklers.
Alcohol from hand sanitizer absorbs into the bloodstream through the skin. An addiction treatment facility states:
• Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States.
• About 60% of people in recovery from addiction will face relapse.
• Smelling the alcohol in hand sanitizer can be a trigger for relapse.
To most, drinking alcohol-based hand sanitizer is unthinkable. However, poison control center reports now indicate that hand sanitizer ingestion has increased around the world. Sales of alcohol-based hand sanitizers have skyrocketed to more than 550% in highly impacted regions of the world.
Prior to the global health crisis, the industry-standard amount of alcohol in hand sanitizer ranged from 60-70%. Amid the world health crisis, governmental website recommendations now range from 60-95% alcohol content. Whether applied topically, accidentally ingested or intentionally ingested, alcohol is highly toxic – especially to children whose livers are not fully developed.
ALCOHOL-FREE HAND SANITIZER FOR CHILD & PUBLIC SAFETY
Quaternary ammonium compounds top the government’s recommended products list for restoring institutions, industries, and businesses. Although science research data now proves that alcohol-free hand sanitizer is superior to alcohol-based hand sanitizer, specific government agencies have yet to change their stance away from alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Everywhere you turn in public places, there is a hand sanitizer dispenser. Keep in mind that 60-95% alcohol content in alcohol-based hand sanitizers is equivalent to 120-190 proof liquor if ingested or absorbed by the skin. A one-ounce travel-sized bottle is equivalent to one “shot” of hard liquor. For this reason, it is confusing why alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not treated the same as alcoholic beverages. Hand sanitizer is inexpensive and can be purchased by minors, although the legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21 years. A medical report indicates that 35% of child hand sanitizer ingestions occurred at school.
Although governmental guidance is to avoid hand sanitizers made with scents, added flavors, or supplied in food and beverage packaging, these products are available in retail stores. The government has no ability to recall products. Manufacturers must voluntarily recall any products that fall under governmental warnings. Knowing which products are flagged as contaminated and knowing all of the potential risks with alcohol-based hand sanitizers is up to the public to discover.
Knowing how alcohol-free quaternary ammonium compounds work gives peace of mind when choosing a hand sanitizer brand for personal and public safety.
ESC BRANDS REVOLUTIONARY MODE OF ACTION
ESC Brands’ hand sanitizer formulations leverage the science of magnetism creating an even, undetectable, microscopic layer of protection on hands and skin. This requires less use of product material that translates to cost savings.
ESC Brands’ water-based, alcohol-free hand sanitizer formulation with active ingredient BZK is proven to last up to 4-hours on hands per application.
Additional benefits of ESC Brands’ alcohol-free hand and skin sanitizers include:
• Electro-chemo mode of action causes immediate germ cell demise.
• Up to 4-hours of protection on skin per application.
• Does not sting.
• Water-based.
• Contains aloe.
• Softens skin with repeated use.