In other words, the risk of catching COVID-19 outweighs the risk of getting cancer from using hand sanitizer made with technical-grade ethanol. However, Health Canada notes that the greater the exposure to acetaldehyde in alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the greater the cancer risk. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are considered natural health products in Canada and are regulated under the Natural Health Products (NHP) Regulations, according to Health Canada. Manufacturers also require a site license is to manufacture, package, label and/or import an NHP hand sanitizer in Canada. Your best defence, especially when soap and water are available — is to wash your hands rather than use hand sanitizer, says Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Source: National Post June 24, 2020 19:18 UTC