Alcohol-based hand sanitizers used for COVID-19 prevention in informal settlements of Cape Town, South Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases continue to threaten public health, particularly in densely populated informal settlements. Effective hand hygiene, supported by alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS), plays a critical role in preventing disease transmission. This study assessed the quality, safety, and compliance of ABHS used in informal settlements around Cape Town. A total of 78 samples were collected from spaza shops, with 72 analyzed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The results showed that 76% of ethanol-based sanitizers met compliance standards, while 24% did not. Isopropanol compliance (≥70%) was only observed in 36% of samples, with 64% failing to meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Overall, 74% of hand sanitizers complied with recommended alcohol concentrations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC, while 26% posed a health risk due to non-compliance. These findings emphasize the urgent need for stricter regulation and public education to ensure effective hand sanitizers are used, thereby reducing infection risks in vulnerable populations. The study aims to inform public health policies and improve regulatory standards.

COVID-19疫情及其他传染性疾病持续对公共卫生构成威胁，尤其是在人口密集的非正式居住区。有效的手部卫生措施，尤其在酒精基手部消毒剂（ABHS）的支持下，在预防疾病传播中发挥着至关重要的作用。本研究评估了在开普敦周边非正式居住区使用的ABHS的质量、安全性和合规性。共收集了78份样本，其中72份样本通过气相色谱-火焰电离检测方法进行分析。结果显示，76%的乙醇基消毒剂符合合规标准，而24%不符合。异丙醇的合规率（≥70%）仅在36%的样本中观察到，64%未能达到美国疾病控制与预防中心（CDC）的指南要求。总体而言，74%的手部消毒剂符合美国食品药品监督管理局（FDA）和CDC推荐的酒精浓度标准，而26%由于不符合标准，可能对健康构成风险。这些发现强调了加强监管和公众教育的紧迫性，以确保有效手部消毒剂的使用，从而降低易感人群的感染风险。本研究旨在为公共卫生政策提供信息并提升监管标准。