Hand Sanitizers
A Resource for Families
Use of hand sanitizer has increased quite significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When soap and water are not available, families can use hand sanitizer products with fewer and simpler ingredients. Families are encouraged to read the guidance below to help prevent or reduce exposure to contaminants in hand sanitizer. This information can also help guide discussions with your child's pediatrician or with your regional Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) staff.
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To download this page as a fact sheet, click here.
To download this page as a fact sheet in Chinese (simplified), French, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese click on the preferred language
Additional Resources for Families
CDC/ATSDR
- Hand Sanitizer Use Out and About
Information on when and how to use hand sanitizer. - When and How to Wash Your Hands
Guidance on proper handwashing practice.
ACMT
- Safer Disinfectant Webinar: Hand Sanitizers in the COVID-19 Pandemic
ACMT and PEHSU's webinar on the use of hand sanitizers and possible safety concerns.
HealthyChildren.org
- Hand Sanitizers: Keep Children Safe from Poisoning Risk
Information on possible poison risks in hand sanitizers. - Hand Washing: A Powerful Antidote to Illness
Details the importance of regular handwashing and proper practice.
The information contained on this website should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your/your child’s primary care provider. There may be variations in treatment that your provider may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
This webpage was supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and funded (in part) by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports the PEHSUs by providing partial funding to CDC/ATSDR through an Inter-Agency Agreement. The findings and conclusions presented have not been formally disseminated by CDC/ATSDR or EPA and should not be construed to represent any agency determination or policy. Use of trade names that may be mentioned is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the CDC/ATSDR or EPA.
Date created: August 2021