International Hand Wash Day is a yearly reminder that handwashing with soap and water is one of the best steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Here are some product details, positive and negative aspects, and information on ingredients or materials related to hand hygiene:
Product Details:
- Soap and water are the best way to remove all types of germs and chemicals.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can help protect you from getting sick from germs when soap and water are not available.
- Non-alcohol-based hand rub products contain benzalkonium chloride which is effective against gram-positive bacteria but not against all gram-negative bacteria.
Positive Aspects:
- Handwashing with soap and water is the best way to remove all types of germs and chemicals.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can help protect you from getting sick from germs when soap and water are not available.
- Most alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective at inactivating enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses.
Negative Aspects:
- Soap and water remove certain germs that hand sanitizers don’t kill, including germs that cause diarrhea such as norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Clostridioides difficile.
- Non-alcohol-based hand rub products contain benzalkonium chloride which is effective against gram-positive bacteria but not against all gram-negative bacteria.
- Certain ingredients in cleaning products can present hazard concerns to exposed populations (e.g., skin and eye irritation in workers) or toxicity to aquatic species in waters receiving inadequately treated wastes.
Ingredients or Materials:
- Soap and water are the best way to remove all types of germs and chemicals.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can help protect you from getting sick from germs when soap and water are not available.
- Non-alcohol-based hand rub products contain benzalkonium chloride which is effective against gram-positive bacteria but not against all gram-negative bacteria.
- The physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of water to be used for handwashing in health-care institutions must meet local regulations.
- Ingredients containing phosphorus or nitrogen can contribute to nutrient-loading in water bodies, leading to adverse effects on water quality.
In summary, handwashing with soap and water is the best way to remove all types of germs and chemicals, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can help protect you from getting sick from germs when soap and water are not available. Non-alcohol-based hand rub products contain benzalkonium chloride which is effective against gram-positive bacteria but not against all gram-negative bacteria. Certain ingredients in cleaning products can present hazard concerns to exposed populations or toxicity to aquatic species in waters receivin...
