Expert Dr Adam Hunniford Warns Market May Be Flooded With Toxic Hand Sanitisers
A Northern Ireland company has warned that substandard and noncompliant biocidal products are being sold as hand sanitisers, resulting in the potential of harm.
PiP Chemicals, based in Newtownards, produces scientifically proven and regulatory compliant sanitising products to industry, and makes sure that all its products meet high certification standards.
Founder, Dr Adam Hunniford said that there needs to be stricter controls to keep the public safe.
“At this time when we need to be cleaning our hands to help stave off the spread of Covid-19 for the foreseeable future,” he said.
“However, if you are not using a sanitiser that is certified and has been through the regulatory processes then it could be causing harm.”
“Many appear to contain methanol, which the government’s Compendium of Chemical Hazards describes as toxic, including when used on skin.”
PiP Chemicals, based in Newtownards, was established nine years ago by Dr Hunniford, applying his experience in chemical formulation and manufacturing to produce a range of chemical products, specialising in biocides and automotive care.
It provides direct to business, not to the end user, and as such are experts in what should and should not be included in products.
“Our products have multiple test certifications, including BS EN 1500 and BS EN 14476” Dr Hunniford said. “We have gone to the trouble to make sure that the biocide contents are of the highest quality. If you are using a product that does not have the test certification you need to ask why it does not.”
Dr Hunniford said that there are some indicators that some hand sanitisers are not suitable.
“If it smells bad, don’t use it – there is a good chance it has been made from some questionable alcohol source,” he said. “If it has a sticky residue after use or leaves you with dry skin then people will be discouraged from using it so it won’t do the job it is supposed to.”
“Buyers should also be alerted to products claiming to be ‘safe’, ‘natural’, ‘eco-friendly’ or other such claims – these are prohibited by the regulations and indicate a manufacturer which is failing in it’s basic regulatory obligations.”
“There may be additives that are also toxic – an inexperienced manufacturer can fall into this trap simply by using the wrong grade of alcohol.”
“At a time when we are all conscious of the need to stay safe and healthy it is only right to make sure that the sanitiser you are using or buying has been tested thoroughly and meets all health and safety requirements.”
For information go to pip-chemicals.co.uk
ENDS
Editor’s Notes
For more information contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, [email protected]
The Government Compendium of Chemical Hazards relating to the toxicity of methanol can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/456293/Methanol_TO_PHE_260815.pdf
About PiP Chemicals
PIP Chemicals Limited is a chemical manufacturing company who specialise in supplying cleaning, care and protection products, to the auto industry. PiP Chemicals also supply a range of chemical products to a number of different industries and, in particular, biocides and cleaning products.
