Are alcohol-based hand sanitizers safe to use?
The alcohol-content of the disinfectant product completely evaporates after rubbing hands for 15 seconds, so there is no residue left on the hands, and children can safely touch their mouth or eyes. Hand sanitizers should not be swallowed; therefore young children should be supervised. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is covered under legislation called the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), outlining guidelines for safe usage, including product name, ingredients, potential health effects, first aid measures, handling and storage, and regulatory information, are available from the manufacturer.
