The analysis of alcohol content in hand sanitisers (in the Durban region) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented surge in the demand for alcohol-based hand sanitisers (ABHS). The Centre for Disease Control  (CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend alcohol, i.e., isopropanol or ethanol, at a 60-95% concentration in ABHS for sufficient antiviral  protection. Consumers need to be vigilant of substandard hand sanitisers being marketed to the public. The frequent exposure of microorganisms to  alcohol concentrations below the recommended range for infection prevention may lead to resistant mutations, and above the range may be ineffective.  Therefore, this study aimed to verify the stated alcohol content in hand sanitisers from their respective labels. We analysed 50 hand sanitiser samples  available to our region in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, using a Shimadzu GC-MS-QP2010 Ultra equipped with a Zebron ZB-wax capillary column.  The hand sanitisers analysed had a range of 44–93% alcohol content. The data from our study also revealed that 32% (16) of hand sanitisers did not  adhere to the stated alcohol indicated on their labels. 16% (8) contained >80% and 12% (6) contained <60%, while 6% (3) of the ABHS contained  1-propanol and ethyl acetate as contaminants, respectively. This study clearly emphasises manufacturers’ exploitation of the pandemic and the need for  stricter guidelines and regulations for consistency amongst ABHS manufacturers. The public should also be more alert to the % alcohol stated (ideal    range 60-80%) on the sanitizer bottle and note one needs to rub their hands together until it feels dry.