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Coronaviruses

Risks Associated with Increased Use of Hand Gel with Ethanol

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The RIVM National Institute for Health and Environment has conducted a research on the health risks associated with the increased use of hand gel with ethanol. According to the study, while the use of hand gel with ethanol does not increase the risk of colon cancer or reduced fertility, it does slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. The risk assessment, conducted at the request of the Ministries of Health, Welfare and Sport and Social Affairs and Employment, evaluated the health risks of ethanol-containing hand gels for different use frequencies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The increased use of hand gel with ethanol does not cause colon cancer or reduced fertility, but it does slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
  • Women who use hand sanitizer 10 times a day have a 143,006 in 1,000,000 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, which is slightly higher than the average risk of 143,000 in 1,000,000.
  • Professional use of hand gel with ethanol, such as in healthcare settings, also slightly increases the risk of breast cancer.
  • Employees who use hand gel with ethanol 25 times a working day for a year have a 143,015 in 1,000,000 chance of developing breast cancer.
  • The RIVM advises to use hand sanitizer only when soap and water are not available for an extended period of time and in certain work settings.
  • Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to remove pathogens and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Statistics:

  • 143,000 in 1,000,000: the average lifetime risk of developing breast cancer for women in the Netherlands.
  • 143,006 in 1,000,000: the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer for women who use hand sanitizer 10 times a day.
  • 143,015 in 1,000,000: the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer for employees who use hand gel with ethanol 25 times a working day for a year.

Sources:

  • RIVM National Institute for Health and Environment Research
  • Ministries of Health, Welfare and Sport and Social Affairs and Employment
  • Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd. (2021)
  • Contify.com

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