In the recent severe epidemic situation, hand hygiene has become an indispensable daily routine, and hand sanitizing alcohol has become an essential item for many people. But if the alcohol we use becomes contaminated in food, will it cause health hazards? First, let’s get to know the types of alcohol.
Types of Hand Sanitizing Alcohol
Alcohol has antimicrobial properties against various microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Due to its ability to kill or inhibit the growth of various pathogens, it is commonly used for cleaning and disinfecting the body, applied on the skin, as well as on various utensils such as plates, bowls, spoons, forks, etc. The commonly used forms of alcohol are as follows:
- Alcohol spray: used to spray and clean hands without rinsing with water.
- Alcohol wipes: used for immediate cleaning without rinsing, usually in small sizes.
- Alcohol swabs: similar to alcohol wipes but in the form of cotton balls, used for effective cleaning and disinfection.
- Alcohol gel: a very popular hand sanitizer because besides cleaning well, the gel also helps maintain skin moisture. Usually comes in tubes or bottles.
Properties of Hand Sanitizing Alcohol
The commonly used alcohol in hand sanitizing products is ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid that evaporates well. The action of alcohol is to inhibit the growth of various pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi without causing skin irritation, making it effective for disinfecting skin and surfaces.
Generally, a 70% alcohol solution is preferred because it does not evaporate too quickly, contains enough water for microbial absorption, and effectively destroys pathogen cells. Alcohol concentrations of 95-100% evaporate too quickly, with insufficient water for microbial absorption, thus are not effective in killing pathogens. Products with alcohol concentrations below 50% also have reduced effectiveness in destroying pathogens.
If Hand Sanitizing Alcohol Contaminates Food… Is It Dangerous?
If food is contaminated with hand sanitizing alcohol, the following disadvantages may occur:
- It may spoil the taste of the food.
- Non-food grade hand sanitizing alcohol contains ingredients that are not safe for consumption, such as moisturizers, colorants, fragrances, or harmful contaminants. Consuming large amounts can be toxic to the body, so special caution should be taken when using it.
Hand sanitizing alcohol is suitable for urgent situations or when washing hands with soap and water is not convenient, and is only appropriate for killing germs. It is different from handwashing, which cleans hands from both germs and various contaminants. Importantly, care should be taken to prevent hand sanitizing alcohol from contaminating food, as it can adversely affect health.
Dr. Udomrat Kowitwiphat
Internal Medicine Specialist
Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
