Hand Sanitizer 101: A Lesson In Keeping Those Hands Clean!
by Admin PPEOnlineIdeally 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.
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 a 70% ethanol mixture was the most effective solution to kill viruses, bacteria and germs. Fast forward pre-pandemic and anyone that used hand sanitizer probably had a bottle of Purell close by. Purell made by GOJO in Akron Ohio was a company enjoying modest growth pre-pandemic. If you have Purell today, consider yourself lucky! When the pandemic set in, Purell sold out of stock almost overnight and because of the pandemic the supply chains broke due to 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.
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 the Health Canada’s approved list of sanitizers.
Ensure you are buying Health Canada approved hand sanitizers that are found on the Health Canada website. Due to companies using sub-standard Ethanol, Health Canada continually tests hand sanitizers and updates their list daily. Check their website for updates. If you have any questions email us at info@ppeonline.ca or call the office to purchase Health Canada approved hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants
Stay Safe Canada!
Michael M
Co-Founder, PPE OnlineÂ
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