Hand sanitizer – a true 2020 must-have. But how much do we REALLY know about its benefits and dangers?
Enter the FDA’s hand sanitizer IQ quiz! Let’s try our hand at a few questions. (Scroll to the bottom of the post for answers!)
❇️ T/F: Soap and water beats hand sanitizer at preventing the spread of COVID-19
❇️ T/F: Hand sanitizer is regulated as a drug by the FDA
❇️ T/F: The FDA recommends making your own hand sanitizer at home
❇️ Hand sanitizer should be considered expired after how many years?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
❇️ Hand sanitizer becomes unstable at what temperature?
A. 55 degrees
B. 105 degrees
C. 155 degrees
For more great info about hand sanitizers – including unsafe product warnings (sadly there are several) see the FDA hand sanitizer website (link below).
For recommendations about reputable brands, see Business Insider’s compendium, written in consultation with infectious disease clinicians. (link below). TL;DR Purell gets MVP.
Bottom line: Soap + water is best – especially if your hands are visibly dirty. But hand sanitizer can be an effective substitute when soap and water aren’t available. Don’t keep it in your super hot car. And be sure to keep away from children (and call poison control should anyone ingest it).
Poison control: 1-800-222-1222
With love,
Your Nerdy Girls
Answers:
❇️ Soap and water beats hand sanitizer at preventing the spread of COVID-19. TRUE.
❇️ Hand sanitizer is regulated as a drug by the FDA. TRUE.
❇️ The FDA recommends making your own hand sanitizer at home. FALSE.
❇️ Hand sanitizer is considered expired after 3 years (option C)
❇️ Hand sanitizer becomes unstable at 105 degrees (option B)
References:
Business Insider hand sanitizer ratings
