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Scientists say sanitisers are better for the environment than soap
25th March 2022
New research shows that hand sanitizers are more beneficial for the environment than soap and water.
Trinity College Dublin scientists examined the environmental impact of four hand hygiene methods: an ethanol-based sanitising Gel, an isopropanol–based Gel, liquid soap with Water, and bars with soap with Water.
The 16 categories that rated the effects of each method were climate impact, freshwater ecotoxicity and water use. The results showed that isopropanol based sanitizing gel had the lowest impact on 14 of the 16 categories. The impact of isopropanol based sanitizing gel in the climate category was four times less than that of hand-washing using liquid soap.
According to the study authors, “Isopropanol performed better in almost all measurements than ethanol, except for fossil fuel usage.” After normalising the results, fossil fuel usage was found to be the least significant of the 16 impact categories in this life cycle assessment.
Dr. Brett Duane, a researcher, stated that hand hygiene has been a significant factor in reducing Covid-19 transmission rates over two years. However, he said that increased hand-washing caused “significant damage” to the environment.
Duane stated that “Importantly,” the research shows that sanitizing gels cause less harm to soap-and water practices, with isopropanol gels having a lower impact. “This information is important for reducing environmental damage and also highlights the need to develop new gels that are more eco-friendly.
• According to the World Health Organisation, hands that are visibly soiled should be washed with soap and water, while sanitising gels may be used when there is no visible soiling present on the hands.
