Ideally hand washing with soap and warm water is the best way to kill germs and protect society from the spread of bacteria, germs and viruses like Covid-19. In the absence of soap and water, Ethanol based hand sanitizers are the next best option to protect ourselves (see our hand sanitizers).
Believe it or not, non water/non soap based hand sanitizers were first discovered in the late 1800’s. It was then that ethanol was first discovered to be a good sanitizing agent. Over the next 20-30 years many studies were conducted and it was found that ethanol mixed with water is an effective way to kill many viruses, bacteria and germs. When the pandemic set in, popular hand sanitizer brands sold out almost overnight and supply chains broke under the demand. Companies ran out of bottles, and out of the raw materials needed to produce Ethanol based hand sanitizers.
The world wide shortage of hand sanitizers prompted several companies to step up and produce Ethanol and hand sanitizers. The World Health Organization along with Health Organizations all over the world were seeking materials to make Ethanol based sanitizers. Breweries, distilleries and labs were given recipes to make ethanol and thus the basic ingredient to produce hand sanitizers.
We carry a range of hand sanitizers — take a look at them here.
The issue lately has been with the grades of Ethanol being used to make hand sanitizers. Early in the pandemic companies were sourcing what ever grade of ethanol they could get their hands on to keep people safe. Some grades can cause injuries and shouldn’t be used. As the pandemic evolved, Health Canada was able to properly scrutinize what grades of ethanol were being used to make hand sanitizer. Sanitizers containing industrial grade ethanols were removed from Health Canada’s list of authorized hand sanitizers.
Make sure the hand sanitizer you buy is authorized by Health Canada — look for the NPN or DIN on the label and check Health Canada’s website for recalls and updates.
Browse our current range of hand sanitizers.
If you have any questions email us at info@ppeonline.ca or call the office to purchase hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants
Stay Safe Canada!
Michael M
Co-Founder, PPE Online
