Alcohol Hand Sanitizers INCREASES exposure to H1N1, says manufacturer

Nearly all off-the-shelf liquid hand sanitizers and hand wipes are alcohol based. Over-use of hand sanitizers cause more health problems than they prevent. Alcohol dries the skin causing cracks that open a direct pathway to the human bloodstream.


One Louisiana-based company indicates their research department urges caution in over-use of cheap alcohol based hand sanitizers. The company offers safe and effective non-toxic hand sanitizers.

Hand sanitizers can cause more health problems than they prevent. Nearly every off-the-shelf hand wipe and liquid hand sanitizer is alcohol based. Alcohol dries the skin causing cracks -- opening a direct pathway for disease to the human bloodstream. When a hand sanitizer includes an alcohol or a petroleum by-product, that hand wash also presents a real possibility for toxic exposure, whether it includes organic ingredients or not.

With the word 'Pandemic' being tossed about daily it is no wonder people are taking precautions. Recent news reports indicate that retail stores are seeing a dangerous reduction in the inventory levels of hand sanitizer. As more people become concerned and flock to the stores to stock up on alcohol-based hand sanitizers, a bigger crisis is being created.

Imagine the general population walking around with open pathways to disease at the tips of their fingers, naively cloaked in a false sense of security because they think they are safe. The very convenience of hand sanitizing gels and over-use can be dangerous.

Here's the rub, literally. Did you know that alcohol-based sanitizers work by stripping away residue from the hands, and unfortunately that includes the natural oils produced by our body?

This constant stripping away of moisture and protective oils from your skin cause the surface to dry out. The result from repeated, constant use of this alcohol based product is the development of fine cracks and fissures in the skin that are made worse by movement during normal daily activity.

To make matters worse, people tend to over-use instant products, and avoid actually washing their hands.

If this becomes a habit, individuals may consistently have unclean hands and potentially spread germs or contract illnesses through contact with bacteria or viruses. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that 30% to 40% of all healthcare associated infections (or HAIs) are due to contaminated hands, and they recommend using a moisturizer to reduce incidence of dry, cracked skin, because moisturized, hydrated skin cuts down the risk of cross-contamination. The alcohol dries out your skin, which causes cracks to form, then they split open and become raw.


This exposure of sub dermal layers leads to an increased susceptibility to invasion of contagious diseases like Influenza a H1N1 Swine Flu.

Alcohol based hand sanitizers are only effective to a certain extent. Alcohol stays active on your hands for only up to 5 seconds, and it dries and cracks your skin, making you more susceptible to contracting the virus. You are more at risk from constant use of alcohol-based hand products because opening fissures in the skin of your hands actually creates a shortcut for harmful pathogens to enter your bloodstream. Now germs simply enter directly in through your hands, no need to touch your eyes or mouth to transmit harmful pathogens to the body.

California School District : Hand Sanitizer Dispenser Program Yields Cost Saving Dividends: Reduces Absenteeism

REDLANDS - Hand sanitizer dispensers throughout Redlands Unified School District just may be paying off, as schools have seen a rise in attendance rates.

"It definitely looks like there's a correlation between the hand sanitizers and the increase in attendance," said Vincent Christakos, assistant superintendent, business services.

Attendance within the district has increased about a half percent from January 2008 through January or February, Christakos said. The increase is significant, he said.

"I'm not sure what is directly attributable to the increase in attendance, but the hand sanitizers are something different we've done in the past year, and they definitely are a factor," Christakos said.

"I was encouraged after speaking with the superintendent (Lori Rhodes)," said Paul Barich, the master mind behind bringing the dispensers to the district. "She said there was about a 1 percent increase in attendance. That doesn't sound like a lot, but when you're talking about 18,000 kids, an increase like that is significant."

"A couple years ago, a nurse friend mentioned that Sacred Heart had them in its school and wouldn't it be nice if we could get them in public schools," said Barich, owner

Correction: UK Hand Sanitizer Initiative: Alcohol-FREE

Proving how gullible people can be when reading news media 'stories', this blog erroneously re-reported a news account from the UK profiling Nettoyer Media, a company that is installing hand sanitizer dispenser / advertising kiosks throughout London's underground train system--and other public transportation locations.

Of course it sounded ludicrous that any responsible and elementary-school educated person would make a decision to install devices that contained alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers within public areas--as opposed to using an alcohol-free hand sanitizer formula.

But then again, after comments from the Office of the Architect in Washington DC--and confirmed by the Chief of Staff to the Office of the Physician--certain Washington administrators have done exactly that--of more than 140 portable hand dispenser stations recently installed in the lobbies of major Washington DC buildings, only 10 of those installed by the Department of Transportation and 20 of those installed by the Chicago Headquarters of the GSA have made it a point to make sure their hand hygiene stations contain alcohol-free products--while all the rest were installed by Senator Durbin's vendor--and all of those contain an alcohol-based formula--according to one distribution company familiar with the initiative.

Stated Chris Picaut--the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Physician (the medical advisory group servicing the US House of Representatives and the agency that the Architect of the Capitol Office purportedly conferred with after being introduced to the alcohol-based dispensing machines courtesy of Illinois Senator Durbin---"We wouldn't have any idea what the hand sanitizer formula is comprised of...aren't all hand sanitizers alike?" Mr. Picaut apparently expressed surprise when being told that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are flammable...and said " Thanks for telling me...but this isn't something that our office is responsible for...we administer first aid stations...."

According to the senior procurement analyst at the Office of the Architect--the agency responsible for the maintenance and operation of major US Federal Government office buildings and tourist attractions : "We have no control over what building managers procure--and we wouldn't have any idea what type of hand sanitizer products are being implemented...And since this office isn't governed by the Freedom of Information Act--we really have no obligation to provide you with any information."

Good thing that the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial are constructed mostly out of stone!

But--correction noted and kudos to Nettoyer Media and PHS Group in the UK for implementing their hand hygiene programs --and installing their hand sanitizer dispenser devices--all containing NON-Alcohol hand sanitizer formulation.

Outdoor advertising firm taps into Swine Flu concerns with free hand-sanitizer units

We couldn't help but notice this absolutely brilliant idea (not).

The maker of a hand sanitizer kiosk device has scored a deal with a UK advertising agency to install their devices, including the alcohol-based formula, throughout subway stops extending across England's 'underground'.

Causing us to scratch our heads and think..."Gee-how long before some fellow figures out that these devices, presuming they really contain alcohol and are installed in subway stations no less, provide the ideal vehicle for a large molotov cocktail?"

And if not a flammable cocktail, wait until the advertisers on those kiosks realize how many eyeballs, and open hands they attract when travelers appreciate the free cocktail being dispensed in public kiosks throughout the UK underground system...

Yes, Matilda--alcohol hand sanitizer formula is equivalent to a 120 proof libation...Cheers!!!!

(Exactly why a small handful of smart people at the US General Service Administration, and the US DOT installed devices that contain NON-ALCOHOL formulas)

Outdoor advertising firm taps into Swine Flu concerns with free hand-sanitizer units

LONDON - Hand sanitizing units carrying adverts are being trialled in the UK to encourage consumers to wash their hands to prevent to spread of Swine Flu.

Ad-funded hand-sanitizer unit

The free-standing units have already been placed in shopping centres around the country including Drakes Circus in Plymouth, Halton Lea in Runcorn, the Broadwalk in Edgware, Wood Green Mall in London and Waltham Cross. No advertisers have signed up yet.

The SaniPost units dispense quick-drying, alcohol-free foam. The hand-wash service is free and carries three advertising panels.

Cleaning Up on Capitol Hill — Or At Least, Clean Hands

Re-published from CQ OnLine News

CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS
May 13, 2009 – 7:09 a.m.

By Emily Ethridge, CQ Staff

That “wash your hands” mantra to prevent the spread of swine flu is getting a high-tech boost in the Capitol, with the installation of hand sanitizer stations around the building and nearby offices.

Hand-washing is “the greatest thing you can do to prevent the spread of germs,” Eva Malecki, communications officer for the Architect of the Capitol, said Tuesday.

Several automatic hand sanitizers are already in place. The machines dispense a dollop of alcohol-free sanitizer and a moisturizing lotion when a sensor detects hands underneath — no touching required. A number of the 400 dispensers are still on order and no decision has been made about whether they will remain in the Capitol permanently, Malecki said.

The sanitizer dispensers are being placed in the most public, highly trafficked areas, such as outside elevator banks, cafeterias and the subways, Malecki said.

The Architect’s office worked with the Capitol attending physician’s office, as well as with the House and Senate leadership, to pick the dispensers and place them around the building last week. They will also be set up in the Capitol Visitor Center, congressional office buildings and the Library of Congress.

The Capitol is a major tourist attraction with thousands of people coming in and out of the building each day. And on a recent day, the Capitol Visitor Center logged 19,000 people, a record number.

1 Manufacturer Has Abundant Supply Of Hand Sanitizer (Alcohol-Free);Sought Out By Mexican Govt

And the CDC still doesn't get it i.e. clarifying the fact that at least (4) US government agencies have prohibited alcohol hand sanitizers and will only procure alcohol-free alternatives.

---

From: Besser, Rich (CDC/COTPER/OD) [mailto:xxx@cdc.gov]
Sent: Saturday, May 02, 2009 6:37 AM
To: jay@mgsmata.com
Subject: Re: Lab Report: BAC vs. Swine Flu

Got it. I understand now. I appreciate the heads up re: inconsistency. I'll see if we can address it.
Best,

Rich

Richard E. Besser, MD
Acting Director, CDC and
Acting Administrator, ATSDR

---

From: jay b
To: Besser, Rich (CDC/COTPER/OD)
Sent: Fri May 01 18:18:25 2009
Subject: FW: Lab Report: BAC vs. Swine Flu

Dr. Besser..

You might be the busiest guy in the country right now.

Just a note...my note to you i.e. the confusion CDC is creating i.e. alcohol hand sanitizer was not a "business request."

US DOT, GSA and US Navy have all contacted our company specifically requesting alcohol-free hand sanitizer and expressing frustation that CDC continues to recommend alcohol when those agencies prohibit it.

Spokespeople at CDC have said informally "we don't recommend alcohol hand sanitizers', yet its pervasive in all CDC news releases.

Your office pointed me to a website and suggested that I fill out online form to "schedule a meeting". Some things in Washington will never change, so it seems

Best of luck..you've got a tough job!

Jay B.

Cc: EOC Swine Influenza, (CDC)
Subject: Follow-up Reply - Lab Report: BAC vs. Swine Flu

Sir see the follow-up reply below.

John Aldahondo
Task Tracker Lead
2009 H1N1
eocevent10@cdc.gov
404-553-7743

1. CDC is currently recommending alcohol based sanitizers.

2. Correct, CDC does not recommend specific products.

3. Your specific inquiry regarding any other products is beyond the scope of the Infection Control Desk in the Emergency Operations Center .

FDA Condemns Vick's Hand Sanitizer

The letter covers Sinex nasal spray and Vicks early defense hand sanitizer.
The FDA concluded:

… your OTC drug products have been prepared, packed and held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have been contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health, and are, therefore, adulterated…

We'd respectfully add that the Vick's Early Defense product uses triclosan as its active ingredient, an ingredient that EPA has red-flagged, and that P&G was censured last year for making unsubstantiated advertising claims in connection with this product.

School Nurses Shout Out RE: Swine Flu

This morning while getting ready for work I was thinking – If H1N1 is a combination of swine flu and avian flu, why isn’t it called Flying Pig Flu? Just wondering…..

Certified School Nurse

Swine & CDC : Hand Sanitizer Saga

Very straightforward, local company takes prominent role in combating swine flu .

Below email exchange with CDC Director Rich Bresser early Saturday morning..where he states the following in reply to reach out. Dr. Bresser seems to acknowledge the mixed messages being sent by his own staff versus the knowledge that CDC purportedly has regarding things other than alcohol.

See the press release displayed below his comment.

---

From: Besser, Rich (CDC/COTPER/OD) [mailto:cdc.gov]
Sent: Saturday, May 02, 2009 6:37 AM
To: jay@mgata.com
Subject: Re: Lab Report: BAC vs. Swine Flu

Got it. I understand now. I appreciate the heads up re: inconsistency. I'll see if we can address it.
Best,

Rich

Richard E. Besser, MD
Acting Director, CDC and
Acting Administrator, ATSDR

---

From:
To: Besser, Rich (CDC/COTPER/OD)
Sent: Fri May 01 18:18:25 2009
Subject: FW: Lab Report: BAC vs. Swine Flu

Dr. Besser..

You might be the busiest guy in the country right now.

Just a note...my note to you i.e. the confusion CDC is creating i.e. alcohol hand sanitizer was not a "business request."

US DOT, GSA and US Navy have all contacted our company specifically requesting alcohol-free hand sanitizer and expressing frustration that CDC continues to recommend alcohol when those agencies --and many others prohibit it for obvious reason.

Spokespeople at CDC have said informally "we don't really recommend alcohol hand sanitizers', yet its pervasive in all CDC news releases.

Your office pointed me to a website and suggested that I fill out online form to "schedule a meeting". Some things in Washington will never change, so it seems

Best of luck..you've got a tough job!

Jay

---

Hand Sanitizer Manufacturer Well Stocked For Swine Flu

Alcohol-Free Formula for H1NI In Abundant Supply

For Immediate Release

Fairfield, CT May 2-

While media outlets and government health care officials, including the US Centers For Disease Control have added fuel to the "pandemic fire" by endorsing flammable, alcohol-based hand sanitizer gels as a means to protect against the current “outbreak” of swine flu, and in turn, causing a shortage of hand sanitizer products throughout the United States, the makers of Soapopular alcohol-free, rinse free hand sanitizer, a product that’s proven to be effective against numerous viruses, including H1N1, is well-equipped to respond the current crisis.

MGS Soapopular Inc. of Fairfield, Connecticut, the US license for Soapopular brand and the manufacturer of Hy5 alcohol-free, rinse-free hand sanitizers, is well prepared to meet most needs, and currently has more than adequate inventory, including a range of package sizes and dispensing systems to meet the demands of all customers, which include federal government agencies, school systems, correctional facilities, and major retailers throughout the United States.

According to Jay Berkman, “Notwithstanding the fact that this strain of flu has actually only infected a minute fraction of the number of people that come down with more common forms of flu every day, the really scary part is that CDC and other “experts” continue to exclusively recommend alcohol hand sanitizers, when in fact, alternative solutions have been widely-embraced by health care professionals."

Berkman added, "Many health care professionals have determined that products using the same organic compound ingredient found in our branded products are not only equally effective against a broad spectrum of viruses, but when compared to alcohol-based gels, our non-alcohol, fragrance free, rinse-free and foam format products are safer to the skin, provide greater persistency, are non-toxic and non-flammable.”

During the past week, MGS Soapopular, much like every other hand sanitizer manufacturer, has experienced an exponential increase in demand for product, but where many cities and stores are reporting shortages of hand sanitizers, the company has been able to continuously process and delivery every order, and has production capabilities to accommodate tens of thousands of bottles per week.

All of the company's products are FDA-registered, and are fragrance-free, dye-free and dispensed in a soft foam format. The company's Hy5 brand includes an OSHA-compliant packaging system and its Soapopular brand is registered with the US FDA, as well as Canadian and UK counterparts. The Soapopular brand products are readily available through select retailers, including WalMart Supercenters, Amazon.com, and directly from the company’s website at www.SoapyUSA.com.

CDC's Bresser Replies to Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitizer Topic

Well, sort of.

In an email exchange at 6.40 this am, it was fascinating to have received a personal email from CDC interim director Richard Bresser acknowledging receipt of communication requesting the CDC to comment as to why they are failing to endorse anything but alcohol as a means for hand hygiene protection and in connection with swine flu out break.

Dr. Bresser acknowledged that information and education about specific formuals, and the specifc question, and he forwarded along the inquiry and insisted that his staff provide a reply.

In the way in which only Washington can, this was the reply from Dr. Bresser's appointed staff member.:

John Aldahondo
Task Tracker Lead
2009 H1N1
nt10@cdc.gov
404-55X-azed

1. CDC is currently recommending alcohol based sanitizers.
3. Correct, CDC does not recommend specific products

2. This (your question re:alcohol-free alternatives) is beyond the scope of the Infection Control Desk in the Emergency Operations Center.

4. The most appropriate product for cleansing hands when caring for patients [ with C. difficile ] remains controversial.

And at the same time, a news report from Southern California identifed the arrest of a teenager that attempted to poison his teacher by pouring Purell into the teacher's coffee. We don't make this stuff up.. Click the link at the top.

Hand Sanitizer and Swine..CDC

Washington DC...nothing changes....The manufacturers of Soapopular hand sanitizer reached out to Dr. Richard Bresser, Director US CDC and shared with him and his senior staff independent lab tests re: their products efficacy with regard to Swine Flu, and specifically asked why the CDC continues to recommend alcohol hand sanitizers, despite the fact that at least 3 different government agencies have banned the flammable substance.

The reply? Dr. Bresser forward the note to an aide with the simple words "another business opportunity" and the recipient on his team replied to Soapopular with:

Thank you

For further information please visit www.medicalcountermeasures.gov/ and click on "request a meeting" and submit your questions.

Caroline Sulal

EOC Partners LNO

404 553-7?*0

To Representative Anthony Weiner (NY)... You're comment from the NY Times with respect to swine flu..."my colleagues and I are in a fetal position and bathing in Purell.."

Mr. Weiner--in all due respect, for you to have made a statement like that, all that anyone can say is that perhaps while you were in a fetal position, your head may have gotten stuck in an orifice.

A colleague of your's claimed that his DWI was a direct result of applying too much Purell to his hands. Insofar as the ability to kill germs, we'd say, yes, pour alcohol on anything and its likely to kill it..including protective skin cells.

We'd award you the Biden Foot-In-Mouth Award--and at the same time, we're happy to educate you and advise that non-alcohol hand sanitizer products using benzalkonium chloride are also effective against hoof and mouth disease.