The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) determined that 70% liquid alcohol is prohibited from being sold in supermarkets and pharmacies in Brazilian territory from this Wednesday (1). The reason for the change is the large number of recorded accidents caused by high flammability.
Why was there a ban?
The previous authorization for the sale of the product based on resolution RDC 766/2022 was carried out during the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the validity period expired in December last year, but 120 were released for “stock depletion purposes”.
According to the agency, the product is highly flammable and had already been banned in 2002 due to the large number of accidents recorded. Its ban aims to reduce this risk. Gel alcohol (up to 500g) and 46% liquid alcohol are authorized and will continue to be sold.
Alternatives to 70% liquid alcohol for surfaces
Previously, Anvisa issued a note with alternatives to the use of 70% alcohol. The list of recommended products for disinfecting objects and surfaces are:
- 0.5% sodium hypochlorite;
- Bleach containing hypochlorite (sodium, calcium) at 2-3.9%;
- Iodopovidona (1%);
- Hydrogen peroxide 0.5%;
- Peracetic acid 0.5%;
- Ammonium quaternaries such as 0.05% benzalkonium chloride;
- Phenolic compounds;
- General purpose disinfectants with action against viruses.
And for the hands?
For hand hygiene, experts recommend washing using soap and water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), with less than 10 seconds of washing, germs still remain. Therefore, it should take 20 to 30 seconds to obtain the desired effects.
See the correct way, according to Anvisa instructions:
- Turn on the tap and wet your hands, avoiding touching the sink;
- Apply a sufficient amount of liquid soap to the palm of your hand to cover all surfaces of your hands (follow the amount recommended by the manufacturer);
- Soap your palms by rubbing them together;
- Rub the palm of your right hand against the back of your left hand (and vice versa) interlacing your fingers;
- Interlace your fingers and rub the spaces;
- Rub the back of the fingers of one hand with the palm of the opposite hand (and vice versa), holding the fingers, with a back-and-forth movement;
- Rub your right thumb, with the help of the palm of your left hand (and vice versa), using a circular motion;
- Rub the digital pads and nails of your left hand against the palm of your right hand, closed in a cup, making a circular movement;
- Rub your left fist, with the help of the palm of your right hand (and vice versa), using a circular motion;
- Rinse your hands, removing soap residue. Avoid direct contact between soapy hands and the tap.
- Dry your hands with a disposable paper towel, starting with your hands and moving on to your wrists.
In places where this option is not available, 70% alcohol gel is another accessible possibility.
Health professionals continue to have access to 70% liquid alcohol
On the other hand, the decision maintains the use of alcohol at 70% by healthcare professionals in hospital environments. Questioned by the Federal Pharmacy Council (CFF), the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) clarified that “these provisions have already been included in regulations since 2002, and health professionals will continue to have access to the product”.
