håndalkohol

Håndalkohol, also known as hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol, is a liquid or gel designed to disinfect hands when soap and water are not available. It typically contains a high concentration of alcohol, most commonly ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, as its active ingredient. The alcohol works by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes of microorganisms, effectively killing bacteria and viruses.

The effectiveness of håndalkohol as a disinfectant depends on its alcohol concentration. Health authorities generally recommend products containing at least 60% alcohol for optimal germ-killing properties. While highly effective against many common pathogens, håndalkohol may not be as effective against certain types of germs, such as norovirus or Clostridium difficile spores, nor can it remove physical dirt or grease from the hands.

Håndalkohol is widely used in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections and is also a popular personal hygiene product for use in public places, schools, and homes. It is important to apply enough product to cover all surfaces of the hands and rub them together until dry, which typically takes about 20 seconds. Overuse or prolonged exposure can lead to dry skin, but this is usually temporary. Håndalkohol should be stored away from heat and flames as it is flammable.