Headache after using Sanitiser

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nzkiwiman

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#269798 8-Apr-2020 15:31

With my local supermarket requiring you to use sanitiser in these times, along with anti-bacterial wipes being around the place; I have noticed that after using these types of products, I get a headache very quickly.

At work we currently have two products that I use "when needed"
E-Vap, Instant Hand Sanitiser 485ml (contains 720g/litre Ethyl Alcohol)
Reynard Health Supplies Premier Disinfectant Wipes (Alcohol and Fragrance Free)

Both cause headaches, the E-Vap is slightly quicker (8 minutes vs 11) and both last for approx 30 minutes

So, before I Google does anyone know what could cause this (I am obviously not going to ask a doctor ..)

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533 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2457501 8-Apr-2020 15:34

You could just be sensitive to the smell. Hand Sanitiser is a common migraine trigger.

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firefuze

510 posts

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#2457517 8-Apr-2020 15:49

I have the same issue, get a sick in the stomach feeling sometimes too.

Although, I started using ‘D-Germ Alcohol Free’ and no issues at all. (Benzalkonium based)

bmt

574 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2457590 8-Apr-2020 16:58

The soap in the bathroom at work was changed before the lockdown and after a couple of days I couldn't bear to use it anymore because the fragrance was so strong and long-lasting. Got a headache from it too.

ezbee

2375 posts

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#2457602 8-Apr-2020 17:10

That's a tough one.

Normally you might try different products, but I guess these days neither you nor your employer can do this.

Other idea would be to improve ventilation , if you are allowed to have a fan on low setting gently blowing fumes away from you ?

If you can avoid inhaling so much .

Wiping your hands well away from your face , so it evaporates away from you.

If no fan see if there is a natural airflow you can take advantage of to waft fumes away ( It does not have to be much )

Keep away from where the used wipes are disposed of, so you don't get fumes from there, or relocate bin downwind.

Not an easy situation.

Wishing you all the best , and thank you for your service in these difficult times.

Bung

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#2457607 8-Apr-2020 17:14

firefuze: I have the same issue, get a sick in the stomach feeling sometimes too.

Although, I started using ‘D-Germ Alcohol Free’ and no issues at all. (Benzalkonium based)

In current circumstances is an alcohol free sanitiser effective?

Jase2985

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#2457621 8-Apr-2020 17:22

do they still require you to use sanitiser if you are wearing gloves?

nzkiwiman

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#2457636 8-Apr-2020 17:53

Sorry, I guess my opening sentence may have confused people.

My local supermarket requires the use of sanitiser before entering the store (as a customer); currently at work (IT for an essential business) I have access to two products I use when needed ...
(can't edit anymore to correct the opening post)

I'll test out the sanitiser tomorrow while outside and see if I get the same reaction ..

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jarledb

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#2457638 8-Apr-2020 18:04

Jase2985:

do they still require you to use sanitiser if you are wearing gloves?

Hopefully they do. Gloves does not prevent spread or stop you infecting yourself when touching your face after getting the gloves dirty with the virus.

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larknz

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#2457701 8-Apr-2020 19:42

You are not supposed to drink it. Sounds like you have a hangover.

firefuze

510 posts

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#2457750 8-Apr-2020 19:57

Bung:
firefuze: I have the same issue, get a sick in the stomach feeling sometimes too.

Although, I started using ‘D-Germ Alcohol Free’ and no issues at all. (Benzalkonium based)

In current circumstances is an alcohol free sanitiser effective?

According to their website, they have done medical/surgical testing where it meets the needed performance requirements

Bung

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#2457833 8-Apr-2020 21:54

firefuze:
According to their website, they have done medical/surgical testing where it meets the needed performance requirements

I understand that some manufacturers of benzalkonium based sanitizers claim that their products work on Corona viruses but that hasn't yet been accepted by the CDC who promote soap and water or alcohol based products. @Fred99 made some negative comment in the monster thread. For some reason I think he knows a bit about Quat products.

Niscoupe

107 posts

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#2457929 9-Apr-2020 09:22

I'm not sure whether I am able to mention here that we sell a non alcohol based certified sanitizer which is suitable for use on hands, surfaces and airspray This prevents the headaches and dry/cracked hands which are often side effects of continual use of alcohol based sanitizers (which must be at least 70% alcohol to be effective).

Just pointing out there are alternatives to the alcohol based products around 👍

FineWine

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#2457965 9-Apr-2020 09:56

Long shot but could you try wearing a mask or some such oral/nasal covering whilst sanitising as an experiment. Thick enough to block out the fumes. The reason I pose this is that you can absorb via the skin. Even though such absorption would be minute. Is the sanitiser fragrance free ? Some sanitisers also use triclosan or triclocarban which some people do react to.

Tip - just before you sanitise take a really great inward breath and hold, sanitise and as you sanitise blow out, like through a straw, over your hands away from your face. We are only talking about 20 seconds. Also for the trolleys bring your own cloth in a plastic bag to wipe dry the handles as I know my Pak-n-Save spray their trolleys, then place it back in the bag to wash at home.

Whatever is causing your headaches during this hyper-clean era I feel for you. You will have to think outside the box on this one.

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

Fred99

13684 posts

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#2458030 9-Apr-2020 10:35

I don't believe quats are of any particular use except perhaps as surface sanitisers where as surfactants they'll disrupt the lipids protecting the virus - as does soap. The data I've read is somewhat conflicting. Most of it also just refers to "benzalkonium chloride" as a generic term for all when it's more complete description is "n-alkyl" blah blah. The chain length (the "n" of the alkyl group has a big impact on biocidal activity - against bacteria, algae anyway). Anyway at concentration that might be needed for a quick effective hand sanitiser against viruses, it'll probably end up ripping the skin off your hands eventually. It causes dermatitis.

As for the alcohol based sanitisers which do work (if not as effective as simple soap and water), then what's the alcohol causing the issue? Isopropanol is stinkier than ethanol IMO - but I actually like the smell of it.

WHO recommend ethanol based sanitiser - probably just because it's easier to produce and more readily available.

ezbee

2375 posts

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#2458360 9-Apr-2020 14:11

Hmmm,

Maybe a pump bottle of basic liquid soap , and a water spray bottle to wash it off later.

As least allergenic, irritant.

I was going to go with that when my meager supply runs out,

Surprised ethanol one with no other funny chemicals produces such a strong result, glycerol should not be an irritant .

But then as a kid I was up to my armpits in either Methanol and Caster Oil, or Ether, Kerosene and Caster Oil with model aeroplanes.

Then there is speedway , that smell of Methanol wafting across the crowd, the memories.

Oh as a sidebar , below is history of Turkey's hand sanitiser

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20200407-turkeys-unique-hand-sanitiser

Hope you find a solution.

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