The rapid spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in Indonesia has led most people to take extraordinary precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the virus.

These precautions range from wearing masks and using hand sanitizers to spraying disinfectants to prevent the rapid spread and transmission of this global pandemic.

The use of hand sanitizer has suddenly become increasingly popular as a way to keep hands clean. The public views this as a practical method because it can be carried and used anytime and anywhere.

However, the use of hand sanitizer cannot be done carelessly. Dr. Yuni K. Krisnandi, a Chemistry lecturer at FMIPA Universitas Indonesia and a member of the Indonesian Young Scientists Association (ALMI), reminds that hand sanitizer should be used only when soap and water are not available. Excessive use of hand sanitizer should also be avoided.

“To prevent causing skin irritation,” said Yuni, as reported by BEKASISOCIETY.com on Monday (April 6, 2020).

The chemical content in hand sanitizers is flammable, which requires attention during use, so she warns not to use it near fire. Additionally, excessive use can cause problems for sensitive skin, such as irritation.

“Because it contains alcohol at a fairly high concentration, it evaporates quickly after use, and if you have sensitive skin, be careful because alcohol can cause dry skin, making it prone to irritation,” Yuni added.

Besides hand sanitizer, Yuni also warns that disinfectant sprays should not be used carelessly.

As we know, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, disinfectant spraying is being promoted across many areas, both by official government agencies and by the public who are competing to make their own disinfectants.

Spraying is carried out in places with high intensity of contact and direct interaction with many people, such as public facilities, offices, and residential areas.

However, according to her, it is not widely known that disinfectants contain chemicals that can have harmful effects if they come into direct contact with humans.

These effects commonly include skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer (carcinogenic effects).

“Disinfectant spraying like this is not recommended for the general public, especially if the contents are not disclosed in the sprayed solution. It might not effectively kill the coronavirus but instead cause other health problems for people (because there is no study confirming the effectiveness of mass spraying),” she emphasized.

“The best way to clean yourself is by washing hands and bathing with soap, rubbing thoroughly, so microbes are removed from the body,” Yuni added.

This article was originally published on https://bekasisociety.com/ with the title “The Use of Hand Sanitizers and Disinfectants Should Not Be Careless! Here’s the Explanation from Indonesian Scientist Dr. Yuni K. Krisnandi.”

Source : https://sci.ui.ac.id/