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October 16, 2009
Nicole Doan and Tyler Rowe
Flu season is approaching quick, and Assistant Principal Annette Raichbart wants to be proactive this flu season. Raichbart has proposed that hand sanitizer dispensers will be installed in all classes in order to fight harmful bacteria and viruses, which will be paid for by the Safety Fund.
Each dispenser costs $9, and each refill costs $10.
“With these new supplies, please treat them with respect.” Raichbart said.
Hand sanitizer must have at least 60 percent of isopropanol or ethyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to be effective. Less than 40 percent of alcohol content will not kill germs as well as it should. In addition, the quarter-sized dollop of gel-like substance must be applied all over the hand—on the palms, between fingers and on the top of hands.
The effects of hand sanitizer on neutralizing viruses and bacteria are the same.
According to a Baltimore Sun article regarding hand sanitizer use, these sanitizers kill viral agents and bacteria, allowing them to be effective in protection against the H1N1 virus, as long as they are used properly.
People must be careful when using hand sanitizers, especially around young children. In fact, ingesting a large amount of it can result in alcohol intoxication. Long-term effects of ingesting the substance can result in liver and brain damage.
As long as the hand sanitizer dries and evaporates on hands, there is no problem, in terms of personal toxicity.
However, as the alcohol evaporates, skin moisture also evaporates, and individuals with sensitive skin find that their skin dries out.
