It seems like everywhere you turn there’s a new story about hand sanitizers igniting in cars. Recently, the news has been full of stories of people getting burned by hand sanitizers while they’re driving. And while this might seem like an isolated incident, it’s not – each year, there are more than 100 reports of people getting hurt this way.
So what’s going on here? Well, there are a few factors at play. First and foremost, hand sanitizers work by cleaning the skin with lots of soap. This high concentration of soap can cause liquid to vaporize quickly and form an aerosol. In cold weather conditions, this aerosol can condense on surfaces inside the car and start a fire.
Secondly, many hand sanitizers are designed to be effective against both bacteria and viruses. However, these same disinfectants can also damage the rubber and plastic parts of your car in the process. Over time, these materials can start to break down and create a ignition source for your hand sanitizer.
So what should you do if you’re ever stuck in a car with a hand sanitizer burning? First and foremost, stay calm –
What is Hand Sanitizer and How Does It Work?
Hand sanitizer is a foaming liquid that is used to clean hands. It is composed of alcohol, soap, and water. When the hand sanitizer is sprayed onto the hands, the alcohol evaporates and breaks down the oils on the hands. The soap helps to remove the oils and dirt. The water swells the hand sanitizer and creates a foam.
Are There Any Risks of Igniting Hand Sanitizer?
There are a few risks associated with igniting hand sanitizer. The most obvious is the potential for fire, but there are also risks of toxicity and burns.
In general, hand sanitizers are composed of ethanol and water. When these chemicals mix, they produce heat, which could ignite something else nearby. This can happen if the sanitizer is spilled, if it gets in contact with a flame or if there is any oxygen present. In some cases, this heat can also cause the ethanol to evaporate, causing an explosion.
It’s important to be aware of these risks and take proper precautions when using hand sanitizer. Always shake the can before use and keep it out of reach of children. Never pour it onto a flame or into any open container. And never use it near flammable materials like curtains or furniture.
How to Prevent an Ignition from Happening
Hand sanitizer can be safely used in cars, but there are a few precautions that should be followed.
Firstly, always use the hand sanitizer in a well-ventilated area. The fumes from the hand sanitizer can be harmful if they are inhaled. Secondly, use the hand sanitizer sparingly. A little goes a long way. Finally, never use hand sanitizer on anything that is not completely dry.
Conclusion
Hand sanitizer is often seen as an essential household item, and for good reason. Most of the time, it works perfectly well to clean your hands and remove bacteria. However, there are a few cases where hand sanitizer can actually cause an emergency in a car. This happens when the alcohol in hand sanitizer ignites and explodes in the air, creating a dangerous fire hazard. If you’re ever concerned about this happening to your car, be sure to use caution when using hand sanitizer and always keep an eye on your vehicle while it’s being cleaned.