Research experts at the University of Florida have found yet another reason not to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The latest academic study, first made public on May 12, has become the subject of global news coverage.
Lobbyists for the makers of alcohol-based hand sanitizer products have yet to comment on the latest independent study that raises yet more alarms for a outdated healthcare product that has become increasingly under fire, and not only because the product is flammable.
The study was based on daily hand sanitizer application required for use by professional health care workers, which includes workers at public and private hospitals, as well as most licensed senior care facilities.
The lobbyists and spokespeople for the largest manufacturers are expected to dispute the findings, and one industry analyst expect leading makers to argue the report was flawed because those tested represent a unique and small minority of people that are required to have clean hands.
We would say the following to that "small minority" of people who want their hands clean of bacteria and easily-transmitted viruses, and use hand sanitizer products whether they're required to or not:
"There actually are other highly effective hand hygiene products that do not rely on alcohol as an ingredient. Many of these other products are safer to use and don't irritate the skin with excessive use; a notorious "feature" of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
In fact, since 2007, the number of alcohol-free hand sanitizer brands as increased from less than five to more than 25 that compete on a national and in some cases, global basis.
Monday, May 23, 2011
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