Hand hygiene protocols recommend using a hand sanitizer. There are three active ingredients approved for hand sanitizer manufacturing, one of which must be included in a hand sanitizer formulation; one is alcohol-free (benzalkonium chloride, “BZK”), and the other two are alcohols (ethanol and isopropyl).
Injuries and deaths from accidental and intentional misuse and abuse of alcohol-based hand sanitizers among children and adults have become an issue of great concern. To most, drinking alcohol-based hand sanitizer is unthinkable. However, poison control center reports now indicate that hand sanitizer ingestion has increased around the world. Sales of alcohol-based hand sanitizers have skyrocketed to more than 550% in highly impacted regions of the world. Methanol “grain” alcohol is closely related to ethanol and has been known to contaminate ethanol-based alcohol hand sanitizer brands. Methanol, is a toxic chemical that can pose a serious danger when absorbed through the skin or ingested. Methanol is often used to make fuel or antifreeze. A one third (1/3) “shot” of methanol can blind an adult, and one (1) “shot” of methanol can kill an adult.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer was first introduced to the public in 1965. Fifty-five years later, in 2020, a major industry advancement occurred with the launch of alcohol-free hand, body, and surface sanitizers as a complete, safer solution to restore public safety to industries, businesses, institutions and individuals using hand sanitizers and sanitizer/disinfectants. Science and medical research now prove that alcohol-free hand sanitizer is far superior in effectiveness, compared to alcohol-based hand sanitizers in terms of kill rate, kill speed, and persistent kill after application, or duration.
Knowing the difference between alcohol-free and alcohol-based hand sanitizer enables you to make the correct decision to switch to Zetrisil® based My-shield® Hand Sanitizer for superior personal, child, and public safety. My-shield® Hand Sanitizer has the least amount of benzalkonium chloride required to qualify as alcohol-free and relies on Zetrisil® for its effectiveness with higher kill rates, faster kill times, zero required dwell time and long lasting, persistent duration of it’s electromechanical killing mechanism.
ALCOHOL-FREE BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE (BZK) A QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUND
Quaternary ammonium compounds were tested, proven to be superior, and are supported by the science community. Also known as “QACs” and “quats”, quaternary ammonium compounds are naturally long-lasting. The QAC benzalkonium chloride is the alcohol-free active ingredient in My-shield® Hand Sanitizer. Other quaternary amines are used in surface sanitizing products. Used for sanitizing in the food preparation industry for 90-years, everyday use consumer products containing QACs include surface, hands and skin sanitizers, surfactants (detergents, shampoos), fabric softeners, anti-static fabric treatments, baby wipes, mouthwash, and ophthalmological solutions. Non-toxic, eco-friendly quaternary ammonium compounds are classified as organic salts (can be synthesized). Discovered in 1916 for germicidal properties, QACs are also non-flammable, non-toxic, and anti-static. But not all QACs are equal. If the QAC is not properly sized, they can actually accelerate absorption through your skin into your bloodstream like alcohols. Years of research and development have enabled My-shield® products to be formulated with Zetrisil®, a patented QAC that is properly sized to be non transdermal; thus preventing absorption into your bloodstream, while providing a kill mechanism superior to BZK .
HOW DO QACs DIFFER FROM ALCOHOLS?
The two approved alcohols, as active ingredients in hand sanitizer, are ethanol and isopropyl or “rubbing” alcohol. A little-known fact about alcohol-based hand sanitizer is that it is only effective against germs when wet. Alcohol “wet time”, or dwell time, is a minimum of 20-seconds, and up to 60 seconds, regardless of the type of alcohol that is used to make an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. There is no duration, or continuous killing capability, after it dries. Therefore, reapplying alcohol-based hand sanitizer is required to achieve ongoing, persistent effectiveness against germs. However, overuse of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and corrosion. Eventually, disrupting the skin’s natural acid mantle creates an open pathway for germs to enter into the body; thereby defeating the purpose of the hand sanitizer. Furthermore, alcohol is highly flammable with a flashpoint of 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Static electricity can spark a fire in the right conditions, although rare. In dry, hot conditions, static electricity is a factor to be aware of with public safety. Fire safety codes now require storing more than five (5) gallons of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in offsite locations to be equipped with fire sprinklers.
Prior to the global health crisis, the industry-standard amount of alcohol in hand sanitizer ranged from 60-70%. Amid the world health crisis, governmental website recommendations now range from 60-95% alcohol content. Whether applied topically, accidentally ingested or intentionally ingested, alcohol is highly toxic – especially to children whose livers are not fully developed. Everyday use products made with isopropyl “rubbing” alcohol include anti-freeze and glass cleaner. Products made with ethanol alcohol include adult alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and gasoline. They can be absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream.
ALCOHOL-FREE HAND SANTIZER FOR CHILD & PUBLIC SAFETY
Quaternary ammonium compounds top the government’s recommended products list for restoring institutions, industries, and businesses to full activity. Although science research data now proves that alcohol-free hand sanitizer is superior to alcohol-based hand sanitizer, specific government agencies have yet to change their stance away from alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Everywhere you turn in public places, there is a hand sanitizer dispenser. Keep in mind that 60-95% alcohol content in alcohol-based hand sanitizers is equivalent to 120-190 proof liquor if ingested or absorbed by the skin. A one-ounce travel-sized bottle is equivalent to one “shot” of hard liquor. For this reason, it is confusing why alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not treated the same as alcoholic beverages. Hand sanitizer is inexpensive and can be purchased by minors, although the legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21 years. A medical report indicates that 35% of child hand sanitizer ingestions occurred at school.
Although governmental guidance is to avoid hand sanitizers made with scents, added flavors, or supplied in food and beverage packaging, these products are available in retail stores. The government has no ability to recall products. Manufacturers must voluntarily recall any products that fall under governmental warnings. Knowing which products are flagged as contaminated and knowing all of the potential risks with alcohol-based hand sanitizers is up to the public to discover.
Knowing how alcohol-free quaternary ammonium compounds work gives peace of mind when choosing My-shield® Hand Sanitizer for personal and public safety.
REVOLUTIONARY MODE OF ACTION
My-shield® hand sanitizer formulations leverage the science of magnetism creating an even, undetectable, microscopic, positively charged layer of protection on hands and skin. This requires less use of product material that translates to cost savings. The membranes of negatively charged viruses, bacteria, mold and mildew are ruptured when they come near, or in contact, with this positively charged, protective layer.
My-shield® water-based, alcohol-free hand sanitizer formulation with active ingredient BZK and Zetrisil® is proven to last up to 4-hours on hands per application.
Additional benefits of My-shield® alcohol-free hand and skin sanitizers include:
- Electro-mechanical mode of action causes immediate germ cell destruction.
- Up to 4-hours of protection on skin per application.
- Does not sting.
- Water-based.
- Contains aloe. Actually softens skin with repeated use.
- Non-Transdermal. Will not absorb through skin into bloodstream.
- Will not contribute to mutation of pathogens
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My-shield® Hand Sanitizer products include: