The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #103274 Message #2101719
Posted By: Rapparee
13-Jul-07 - 12:34 PM
Thread Name: BS: Dangerous Hand Sanitizers
Subject: RE: BS: Dangerous Hand Sanitizers
2-Propanol or Isopropyl Alcohol: from the Material Data Fact Sheet for 90-100% pure compound:
Inhalation: Inhalation of vapors irritates the respiratory tract. Exposure to high concentrations has a narcotic effect, producing symptoms of dizziness, drowsiness, headache, staggering, unconsciousness and possibly death.
Ingestion: Can cause drowsiness, unconsciousness, and death. Gastrointestinal pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also result. The single lethal dose for a human adult = about 250 mls (8 ounces).
Skin Contact: May cause irritation with redness and pain. May be absorbed through the skin with possible systemic effects.
Eye Contact: Vapors cause eye irritation. Splashes cause severe irritation, possible corneal burns and eye damage.
Chronic Exposure: Chronic exposure may cause skin effects.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or impaired liver, kidney, or pulmonary function may be more susceptible to the effects of this agent.
The bottle of Purell in my desk lists ethyl alcohol 62% as the active ingredient and a whole slew of inactive stuff. This is grain or drinking alcohol, although I certainly wouldn't do that!
Kimberley Clark's Sani-Fresh lists lists 55.8% isopropyl alcohol as the active ingredient and three inactive ones.
I suspect it depends upon what sanitizer was used.