A recent study by Brigham Young University concluded that alcohol-free sanitizers fight COVID just as well as their alcohol-based counterparts. The peer-reviewed online Journal of Hospital Infection published the findings. The CDC recommends using sanitizers containing 60% or more ethanol or 70% isopropanol. However, the BYU study concludes that four QACs (quaternary ammonium compounds), like the chemical benzalkonium chloride (BZK, BKC, BAC, or ADBAC), are just as effective at killing the virus. In fact, the research suggests that benzalkonium chloride sanitizers not only effectively kill the virus, they do so in only 15 seconds.
Benzalkonium Chloride
You may not know of benzalkonium chloride, but chances are that you used it. The chemical finds itself in many commercial and industrial disinfectants like Lysol, as well as in antibacterial wipes and sanitizers. Safe on skin, benzalkonium chloride sanitizer does not burn on application, and is odorless. What’s more, only a small amount of BZK can kill most bacteria, viruses, molds, and mildews. As reported by Fast Company, just 0.2% of BZK is effective against coronavirus.
Sanitizer for Hands and Surfaces
Life Industries Corporation, parent company of BoatLIFE, RVbyLIFE, and AeroLIFE Industries, produces a 0.2% benzalkonium chloride and water-based Sanitizer for Hands and Surfaces. The company ramped up its production of benzalkonium chloride sanitizers with the onset of the crisis in March 2020. The Sanitizer is available in six different spray on sizes, including refill sizes. Life Industries’ Sanitizer for Hands and Surfaces continues working on cleaned surfaces once dry. Unlike alcohol-based sanitizers, it will not irritate the skin on application. Sanitizer wipes will soon be available as well.
Now that it has been proven that alcohol-free hand sanitizers fight COVID, the use of benzalkonium chloride sanitizer will continue to rise.
For additional information, please visit our website or contact Life Industries by email.
