One of the essential measures to prevent contagion, especially in these moments of pandemic, is to perform proper hand hygiene. It is best to use a good hand washing, with soap and water, thoroughly and for the time necessary. But sometimes this is not possible: when we are away from home, in places where there is no accessible tap, etc. The disinfectant gels and solutions, hydroalcoholics, then become a valuable ally, provided they have a sufficient amount of alcohol.
And this is why the Organization of Consumers and Users has launched an alert on two hydroalcoholic gels manufactured in Spain that have been withdrawn from the market due to low levels of Ethanol that they presented and, therefore, due to the lack of protection they represented against the coronavirus.
As reported by the European Rapid Alert System (RAPEX), in Europe they are selling hydroalcoholic gels which contain less alcohol than declared and therefore offer no guarantee of safety. In the RAPEX reports they refer to several hydroalcoholic products that “present problems in the labeling, or have a lower concentration of alcohol than declared, with which they are ineffective and unsafe”.
Its about Prady hydroalcoholic gel 250 milliliters and 500 milliliters. This gel from the Spanish brand Prady contains an amount of ethanol of 56.6% while its labeling announces 70%.
Furthermore, it does not carry the hazard and warning pictograms on the product label, so users do not have information on the toxicity and flammability of the product, with the consequent risk.
The other gel that has already been removed is the Verita Farma brand hydroalcoholic gel in its container of 100 milliliters. This gene is sold online, mostly through Amazon. Verita Farma’s hydroalcoholic gel contains an amount of ethanol well below the recommended: in fact, 28.4% has been measured. Consequently, it is not effective against bacteria or viruses, which could reach the user, increasing the risk of infection.
Furthermore, the presence of alcohol is not accompanied by the appropriate pictograms and safety warnings on the label. Therefore, users do not have information on the toxicity and flammability of the product.
The OCU advises that for these hand sanitizers to effectively fulfill their function of eliminate germs, the alcohol content of the gels must be greater than 60%. In addition, the amount necessary to cover the surfaces of both hands should be placed on the palm of one hand. As well as, rub them well all over, including palms, back and the areas between the fingers, until the product evaporates.
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