The increasing spread of the coronavirus or (Covid-19) outbreak in Indonesia has certainly made most people take extraordinary precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the virus.
Starting from wearing masks, hand sanitizers, to spraying disinfectants to prevent the spread and transmission of this global pandemic outbreak which is very rapid.
The use of hand sanitizer has suddenly become increasingly popular for maintaining hand hygiene. People see it as a practical method because it can be carried and used anytime and anywhere.
However, hand sanitizer cannot be used carelessly. Dr. Yuni K. Krisnandi, a Chemistry lecturer at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Indonesia and a member of the Indonesian Young Scientists (ALMI), reminded people that hand sanitizer can be used when soap and water are unavailable. Hand sanitizer use should also be moderate.
"So as not to cause skin irritation," said Yuni, as reported on the BEKASISOCIETY.com page, Monday (06/04/2020).
The flammable chemicals in hand sanitizers are a concern when using them, so he cautions against using them near flames. Furthermore, excessive use can cause problems for sensitive skin, such as irritation.
"Because it contains a high level of alcohol, it will evaporate quickly after use. If you have sensitive skin, be careful, as alcohol can dry out your skin, making it prone to irritation," Yuni added.
Besides hand sanitizer, according to Yuni, disinfectant liquid should not be sprayed carelessly.
As we know, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, disinfectant spraying is being encouraged throughout the region, both by official government agencies and by the public competing to make their own disinfectant.
Spraying was also carried out in places with high levels of direct contact and interaction with many people, such as public facilities, offices, and residential areas.
However, according to him, not many people know that this disinfectant liquid contains chemicals that have bad effects if they come into direct contact with humans.
Generally causes skin irritation, eye and respiratory problems, and can even trigger cancer (carcinogenic).
"Using disinfectants directly by spraying them is not recommended for the public, especially if the sprayed water isn't disclosed. Instead of effectively killing the coronavirus, it could actually cause other health problems for residents (because there are no studies proving the effectiveness of such mass spraying)," he concluded.
"The most appropriate way to clean yourself is to wash your hands and shower using soap, while rubbing them, so that the microbes will be removed from the body," added Yuni.
This article was published on https://bekasisociety.com/ with the title "Use of Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant is Not Allowed Carelessly! Here's the Explanation from Indonesian Scientist Dr. Yuni K. Krisnandi."
