Chemistry of hand sanitizer amid COVID-19: importance, formulation and adverse effects

Abstract

Coronavirus (COVID- 19), the new name for the disease caused by the recent coronavirus, SARS-COV-2 is all over the news. In a study today in emerging infectious disease, Swiss and German researchers found that alcohol-based sanitizers recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization) are effective in killing the novel coronavirus hand sanitizer is also called as hand antiseptic. It is used for killing pathogens like bacteria/viruses. According to CDC, Hand sanitizer does not remove pesticides1. Hand hygiene is an important. Washing hands with plain soaps and water for at least 20 second is essential. If it is not available, CDC (Centers for disease control and prevention) recommended consumers, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethyl alcohol. There are currently no drugs, including hand sanitizer, approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to prevent or treat COVID-19. Hand Sanitizer are intended for use on the hands. FDA does not recommend spraying aerosolized disinfectants on humans. Hand sanitizer should not be used over larger body surfaces, ingested, inhaled. In this paper, formulation of sanitizer, its importance and its adverse effects is explained.