Since the outbreak of Corona Virus, the World Health Organization(WHO) has outlined the measures to be taken to avoid getting infected with virus. WHO recommended the use of alcohol based hand sanitizer/ hand rubs regularly.

However with the outbreak of Corona Virus in Nigeria, hand sanitizers are not easily available in Nigeria and are expensive when seen.

What is Alcohol based sanitizer?

An Alcohol based sanitizer is a sanitizer whose major component is ethanol. Alcohol based sanitizer contains at least 60% ethanol. Alcohol based sanitizer has been proven to be effective in killing most bacteria and fungi as well as some virus which includes the Corona Virus.

According to World Health Organization the ethanol component of hand sanitizer effective on Corona Virus is upto 80%.

Formula for making Alcohol based sanitizer

Alcohol is the active component in the production of alcohol based sanitizer. Hydrogen Peroxide is used in the formulations to help eliminate contaminating spores in the bulk solutions and excipients and is not an active substance for hand antisepsis. However when used in excess could be corrosive. Glycerol is used as a humectant to help preserve and maintain moisture.

The World Health recommended formula for hand sanitizer used against Corona Virus is listed below

Formulation 1 (v/v)	Formulation 2 (v/v)
Ethanol 80%	Isopropyl Alcohol 75%
Glycerol 1.45%	Glycerol 1.45%
Hydrogen Peroxide 0.125%	Hydrogen Peroxide 0.125%

Complete the remaining percentage with distilled water.

How to make hand sanitizer

There are two formulations for making hand sanitizer

Formula 1

Assuming you want to make a 1000ml/1 litre hand sanitizer, get a 1000ml graduated flask

• Pour 833.3ml of ethanol with purity of 96% into the 1000ml graduated flask
• Pour 41.7ml of Hydrogen Peroxide into the flask
• Pour in 14.5ml of glycerol into the flask
• Top it up with distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled to make it up to 1000ml
• Gently shake the flask to mix the contents

Formula 2

• Pour 751.5ml of isopropyl alcohol (with a purity of 99.8%) into the flask
• Pour 41.7ml of Hydrogen peroxide
• Pour 14.5ml of glycerol
• Top it up to 1000ml with distilled water or water that has boiled and cooled
• Shake the flask gently to mix the contents

Dangers of alcohol based sanitizer

There are no proof that alcohol based sanitizer is dangerous to man if used the right way.

However, alcohol based sanitizer is highly flammable and should be used with caution away from open fire.