After living through the COVID-19 pandemic for over a year and half, using hand sanitizer or a sanitizer spray has become almost second nature.
But because we don’t think twice about using it, there could be a chance that some of us may be using it improperly.
Photo via Getty Images
This is why the Malaysian Medical Association has issued a timely reminder regarding the proper use of sanitizers.
For starters, it says to make sure the sanitizer we purchase is registered with the authorities, especially if you’re buying it online.
Next, take a close look at the label to ensure it is safe for human use. Some sanitizers are only meant to be used for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
Also check the active ingredient (eg: the alcohol content). If the concentration is high maybe don’t use too much at one go to avoid causing skin irritation or other problems if you accidentally inhale the aerosolized sanitizer.
The MMA also says there is no point using sanitizer guns to spray a person’s body before entering shops or other premises. This is because someone who is Covid positive will likely not carry the virus on their clothes or external surfaces.
It further explained that the virus is normally found in the nasopharyngeal wall (the mouth and nose), and is released into the air by sneezing, coughing or even talking loudly.
Photo via Azom.com
This is why using facemasks and practicing physical distancing is more effective than spraying the whole body with disinfectant.
The MMA also says that while the use of sanitizers is crucial in helping control the spread of Covid-19…there is still a need to study its potential long-term side effects.
This is especially because the frequent use of sanitizers like we’re doing now, is unprecedented in our history.
By: Nicholas Darren John
