Debunking the Myths about alcohol based hand sanitiser

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Is it Safe for My Children to Use PURELL® Hand Sanitiser?

Yes, PURELL® Hand Sanitiser is safe and effective for everyone. It is important for all of us to practice healthy behaviors like hand hygiene, which includes using an alcohol-based hand Sanitiser, such as PURELL® Hand Sanitiser. Children under 6 years of age should be supervised when using any PURELL® product.

Is PURELL® Hand Sanitiser Drying to the Hands?

No. There is a misperception that the frequent use of alcohol-based hand Sanitisers will dry out your hands on your skin. The truth is that formulation matters. PURELL® Hand Sanitiser has been developed to be used repeatedly without damaging the skin. In fact, studies show PURELL®Hand Sanitiser is gentler on hands than soap and water because it does not strip natural lipids away from hands.¹

¹ 1. Boyce JM, Kellher, S., Vallande N. Skin irritation and dryness associated with two hand hygiene regimens: soap and water handwashing versus hand antisepsis with an alcoholic hand gel. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 21:442-448,2000

What Does GOJO do to Discourage Misuse by Ingestion in its PURELL® Hand Sanitiser Products?

PURELL® Hand Sanitiser contains bitter, unpleasant-tasting ingredients that make it undesirable to drink. We add the unpleasant taste to all PURELL™ products to discourage ingestion. Labels on PURELL® Hand Sanitiser provide instructions to follow in the event of ingestion. Label instructions state: "If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away." Consistent with best practices for all products used around children, always supervise PURELL® Hand Sanitiser use by children under six years of age or those whose judgment may be impaired. The benefits of alcohol-based hand Sanitisers for safeguarding public health are well-documented in many settings.

What is the Active Ingredient in PURELL® Advanced Instant Hand Sanitiser?

The active ingredient in PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitiser is ethyl alcohol - sometimes referred to as "mother nature's disinfectant." Ethyl alcohol is classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Category I active ingredient, which means it's generally recognized as safe and effective when used as directed.

What Should Be Done If PURELL® Hand Sanitiser Is Ingested?

Labels on all PURELL® products provide instructions to follow in the event of ingestion. Label instructions state: "If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away."

When is it Especially Important to Practice Good Hand Hygiene?

Practicing good hand hygiene is especially important:

• After using the bathroom
• Before eating or drinking anything
• Before and after handling raw foods, fish, poultry, or eggs
• After using a public phone
• After riding public transportation
• In schools and day care centers
• After changing nappies
• When one is sick
• After shaking hands
• After sneezing or coughing
• After touching bank machines, elevator buttons or escalator handrails

When Should PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitiser be Used?

Alcohol-based hand Sanitisers can be used when hands are not visibly soiled. If hands are visibly soiled, use soap and water.

Why Does PURELL® Hand Sanitiser Contain Alcohol?

Ethyl alcohol is one of the safest and most effective antiseptic ingredients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that the general public use an alcohol-based hand Sanitiser when soap and water are not available.