Ensuring the Safety of Locally Sourced Alcohols for Hand Sanitizer Production During the SARS-CoV-2 Crisis: A Comprehensive Impurity Analysis.

Abstract

Amid the early 2020 SARS-CoV-2 crisis, severe hand sanitizer shortages led to OMS local production recommendations, inviting a diverse array of alcohol producers to contribute. However, not all followed mandatory controls for API-grade alcohol. We conducted a study to ensure the safety of the received alcohols, focusing on methanol and acetaldehyde levels. All samples were well below Ph. Eur guidelines, affirming their safety for use. Furthermore, no additional impurities were detected, reinforcing the quality and safety of the assessed hand sanitizers. Our findings, amidst the scarcity of the SARS-CoV-2 era, highlight the importance of rigorous safety assessments during local hand sanitizer production.