https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8840-0740
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic poses a severe threat to public health, resulting in high levels of mortality and morbidity. In response, there has been a significant usage of hand sanitizers in homes, public places, and healthcare systems. In the global panic, the market has a variety of products, and there are serious concerns about the safety and the potential of hand sanitization as the blue bullet for COVID-19. Therefore, this article presents a critical review of types of hand sanitizers available on the market, their active ingredients coupled with their mode of action in the wake of antiviral efficacies. In addition, the adoption of a culture of hand sanitization by society could raise the demand for hand sanitizers for an extended period. The continuous use of hand sanitizers might pose some safety concerns. Consequently, the review articulates potential dangers associated with hand sanitizer used to equip suppliers and manufacturers with knowledge on the safety of different ingredients and formulations, hence safeguarding the final users.
PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT
The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious threat to public health, with significant rates of mortality and morbidity. As a result, there has been a huge increase in the use of hand sanitizers in households, public spaces, and healthcare institutions. As a result, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of the many varieties of hand sanitizers on the market, as well as their active ingredients and mechanism of action in the context of antiviral efficacies. Furthermore, the adoption of a hand sanitization culture by society may increase demand for hand sanitizers for a longer length of time. The usage of hand sanitizers on a regular basis may raise certain safety concerns. As a result, the analysis asserts possible hazards related with sanitizers use in order to provide suppliers and manufacturers with knowledge on the safety of various components and formulations, therefore protecting consumers. In the fight against COVID-19, it is vital to use hand sanitizers with suitable and verified components.
Notes on contributors
The group’s main goal is to find treatments for diseases that are as a result of pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics, biocidal/disinfectants, antimalarials, and heavy metals. Furthermore, the researchers in this group are interested in emerging contaminants, antimicrobial as well as disinfectant resistance, and the implications of these on human health. The group is concerned with the use of scientific evidence to educate the public on the hazards of disease transmission pathways and potential alternative novel disease preventative approaches. In general, some of the most important disease prevention and control strategies being investigated include disease treatment based on antibiotic susceptibility testing results, the use of herbal preparations, probiotics, and prebiotics as alternatives to synthetic antimicrobials. As a result, this review of the literature on the effectiveness of hand sanitizers in the prevention of COVID-19 and related public health concerns relates to disease prevention utilizing biocidal/disinfectants, as well as the public health implications connected with these disinfectants.
Acknowledgements
We would like to extend our gratitude to Hand Sanitizers producers and marketers in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, for their valuable support in making this review possible
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Authors’ contributions
JM and ZM were responsible for project designing and writing. CG, RA, and LC edited the manuscript. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.