Daycare and Preschool Hand Washing
Are Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizers Dangerous to Children?
Three experts respond to claims regarding the hidden dangers of alcohol based hand sanitizers
Recently there has been a great deal of media attention and debate about alcohol based hand sanitizers and the danger they may potentially pose to small children. These instant hand sanitizers, such as Purell Sanitizer used for convenient hand hygiene, have been linked to accidental poisoning.
Three medical/health experts were asked the following question:
In your opinion are alcohol based hand sanitizers safe and/or necessary for the preschool or daycare environment?
While opinions vary, their responses and explanations provide useful insight into alcohol based hand sanitizer use.
Dr. Steve Gelman, Chief of Pediatric Outpatient Services at New York Methodist Hospital :
“Hand sanitizers are safe and effective if they have at least 60-70% alcohol. They should be used topically on the hands and kids should be monitored to prevent ingestion”.
Dr. Luis Rodriguez, Assistant Executive Director of Quality Improvement & Health Services at at Episcopal Social Services:
“Children are naturally curious about everything, including the taste, the smell, and texture of products. They learn about the world through smelling, touching and tasting. Brightly colored liquids, spray containers, pills and leafy of flowering plants are all attractive lures to children, who may attempt to learn more about them through spraying, smelling or swallowing. The mechanics of spray containers are of particular interest to many curious children. That being said and knowing that some children have been poisoned by these solutions, I do not consider them safe to use in our day care facility".
Dr. Leila M. Iravani, Board Certified Doctor of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Coastal Kids Pediatric Medical Group in Newport Beach, California:
“In my opinion, alcohol based hand sanitizers are a great strategy to improve hand hygiene practices. Sanitizers provide an effective alternative to the use of soap and water, but it is useful only if readily available at the facility. Also, according to the CDC, these hand rubs have been used safely for more than 30 years in European hospitals. It is important that when using these hand sanitizers, children and adults rub their hands until the alcohol has evaporated (i.e., the hands are dry). Therefore, there will be no risk of consumption of the sanitizer when a child places his hands in his own or his friend’s mouth, which is common practice among young children”.
The bottom line:
It seems as though the jury is still out on the necessity of or dangers related to alcohol based sanitizers. While opinions vary, if these types of hand sanitizers gels are used in your daycare or preschool, it is important to closely supervise the children when these types of products are in use. If in doubt, use sparingly and with extreme care and caution, or switch to an alcohol free antibacterial hand sanitizer such as Hands2Go.
For more information about daycare related health issues, see Controlling Illness In Daycare.
