Is your hand sanitiser safe? Best practices from an Infection Control Specialist to ensure your sanitisers are safe for use.

The COVID-19 pandemic has skyrocketed the demand for hand sanitisers and gels and with it the insurgence of illegal hand sanitisers entering the market. In fact, last year the EU seized 140,000 litres of hand sanitisers containing dangerously high levels of toxic methanol.

?Additionally, over a million units of hand sanitisers containing high levels of methanol being used in schools and healthcare facilities were recalled in Ireland, with reports claiming children’s hands were being irritated.

?With so many new brands hitting the market it’s difficult to understand the significance of quality control. Across all brands, ingredients used in alcohol hand sanitisers can vary drastically, and whilst low-cost options may contain the same active ingredients as higher-end products such as AGMA Mysogel, many cheaper products will dilute the ingredients.

?Diluting active ingredients in hand sanitisers diminishes the quality of the product which, in conjunction with the alcohol percentage, is a major factor in whether a sanitiser is safe, effective, and fit for purpose. A study conducted by WHICH last year found that hand sanitisers sold at major UK retailers contained diluted ingredients, reducing the alcohol percentage way below the 60% minimum recommended by WHO.

?How can you ensure your PPE is safe to use?

?-??????????????Avoid products with misleading advertising & false label claims: Products claiming to kill germs, disinfect or sanitise using an active antimicrobial ingredient must not mention terms such as ‘low-risk biocidal product’,’ non-toxic’, harmless, natural, environmentally friendly’,’ animal-friendly or similar indications, or include any medicinal claims. Beware of those that do.

-??????????????Beware of products mentioning specific pathogens: HSE guidelines state that general hand sanitiser products are not permitted to name specific pathogens, such as ‘kills COVID-19’.

-??????????????Check if the packaging claims to be a cosmetic product or a ‘hand cleaner’: legislation states that the active ingredient in hand sanitisers is a BIOCIDE, but some products will attempt to get around this legislation by claiming to be a cosmetic.

-??????????????Check the alcohol content. If it is IPA, Isopropanol or Isopropyl Alcohol check the product is authorised under EU & GB Biocidal Products Regulations to verify efficacy and safety.

The AGMA Way

?As a company with over 50 years of experience in formulating biocidal products, we strive to ensure our products are always fit for purpose and safe for use. Never has this been more important than right now.

After years of research and investment, we’ve developed a market-leading, effective hand gel that effectively kills both bacteria and viruses including Coronaviruses.

Our company goal is to Clean, Sanitise and Protect.

AGMA Mysogel products are developed with these principles in mind.

?●?????????????With a high alcohol content, (80% ethanol v/v), AGMA Mysogel ensures quick, effective and reliable hand sanitisation.

●?????????????AGMA Mysogel has proven effectiveness against a broad spectrum of bacteria and enveloped viruses, tested by accredited laboratories to current, applicable, internationally recognised BS EN standards.

●?????????????MysoGel Citrine is independently tested to EN1276, EN1500 and EN14476, is a high alcohol content, rapid kill, thixotropic effect hand sanitiser that is extremely effective against a broad range of bacteria and viruses.

●?????????????AGMA Mysogel is designed, developed and manufactured in-house to robust, quality control standards at an ISO 9001 certified U.K. manufacturing company.

●?????????????It is quick and easy to use, helping to kill germs and protect against the spread of infection.

●?????????????Contains a unique dual emollient system to leave hands feeling soft and protected.

?Visit our website and download our free brochure to learn more about AGMA Mysogel.