What is Hand Sanitizer?
Washing our hands properly can be difficult when we are out and about, either with children on playgrounds, or when we are working in an office full of people and communally used equipment. One product that is beneficial to keep on hand is antibacterial rubs, more commonly known as hand sanitizers.
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Identification
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Hand sanitizers are clear gels in plastic bottles that are sold in many supermarkets, drug stores and convenience stores. The come in large sizes and small travel-sized containers. They are also commonly found in places where germs are a concern, such as hospitals and day cares.
Features
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Hand sanitizer is a mixture of alcohol, ethanol, glycerin, and sometimes other anti-bacterial and anti-microbial ingredients, scents and colors, depending on the manufacturer. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that hand sanitizers contain a concentration of at least 60 percent alcohol or ethanol to be effective.
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Function
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Hand sanitizers are used by squirting a teaspoon-sized amount into the palm of the hand, and then rubbed thoroughly over the surfaces of the hand. Manufacturers claim this kills 99.9 percent of bacteria. No rinsing is required and hand sanitizers are designed to air dry.
Benefits
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Keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer on you when you go on outings, or keeping a bottle on your desk at the offices offers a quick and convenient way to clean your hands and remove potentially harmful bacteria when you can't get to a bathroom to properly wash them.
Warnings
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While hand sanitizers are helpful, they should not replace washing your hands regularly. Old fashioned soap and water is the best way to help reduce the transmission of germs and bacteria.
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