Cleaning and Disinfecting

April 12, 2021

CDC Update About Surface Cleaning Effectiveness

The principal mode by which people are infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is through exposure to respiratory droplets carrying infectious virus. It is possible for people to be infected through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects (fomites), but the risk is generally considered to be low. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/science-and-research/surface-transmission.html)

The most reliable way to prevent infection from surfaces is to regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizer.

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can also reduce the risk of infection.

Always follow standard practices and appropriate regulations specific to your type of facility for minimum standards for cleaning and disinfection. This guidance is indicated for buildings in community settings and is not intended for healthcare settings or for other facilities where specific regulations or practices for cleaning and disinfection may apply.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html#other-facilities

April 7, 2021

Study finds carcinogen above FDA limit in several hand sanitizer brands

As reported by CBS Morning, Valisure, an independent pharmacy and lab that tests drug products for quality, says it tested 260 products and found elevated levels of benzene in more than 20 of them.

Benzene is a known human carcinogen, and exposure to it is known to cause blood disorders, including leukemia.

Below is a list of the hand sanitizer brands that this study found have levels of benzene above allowable levels.

Artnaturals
SS Lavender & Herbs Scented Sanitizer
Huangjisoo Hand Sanitizer Gel Type Hand Cleanser
True Wash Instant Hand Sanitizer Natural
The Crème Shop Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer Peppermint-Scented Infused with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E
Star Wars Mandalorian Hand Sanitizer (blue and green)
Body Prescriptions Winter Mint Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
Born Basic Anti-Bac Hand Sanitizer
Beauty Concepts Sugar Cookie Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
Pure Logic Hand Sanitizer Aloe + Green Tea
Miami Carry On Instant Sanitizer Gel Soothing Gel – Wash Free – With Aloe
Natural Wunderz Triple Action Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer Aloe Vera
Clean-Protect-Sanitize Hand Sanitizer
Puretize Hand Sanitizer
Hand Clean 100 Ethanol Gel

See below for links to the CBSNews article and the laboratory testing results.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hand-sanitizer-benzene-cancer-chemical/

https://www.valisure.com/wp-content/uploads/Valisure-FDA-Citizen-Petition-on-Hand-Sanitizer-v4.14.pdf

June 27, 2020

Updated FDA Warning – 115 Brands of Hand Sanitizer Tainted with Methanol

FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested.

Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning.

Access FDA press release