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One of the things that we now do because of the coronavirus pandemic is that we use more hand sanitizer than in the past. We carry it in our pockets, our purses, our cars, and always keep a bottle of it nearby. And that’s where hand sanitizer can get dangerous. And how may that be you ask?
Remember that a good quality hand sanitizer contains at least 70% alcohol. Keeping some of it “handy” when we are working around fire could cause a small explosion and fire. Also there are some photos floating around the Internet that claims that a car door was damaged by an exploding bottle of hand sanitizer. Those photos have since been proven to be untrue (the picture is actually from a car in Thailand that was set on fire with a lighter and an aerosol can). However, firefighters are warning people to take care and be aware of where they place their bottle of hand sanitizer.
Can hand sanitizer really catch on fire?
Studies have shown that hand sanitizer would need to reach a temperature of about 300 degrees to become combustible. A locked and closed up car sitting in bright sunshine on a hot day seldom reaches a temperature above 160 degrees. While that’s hot enough to harm humans and animals, it is no where near hot enough to cause sanitizers to explode.
Sanitizer should be kept away from an open flame. So don’t smoke around it, and don’t keep it near a stove or a hot grille. Also clear bottles, which are what most sanitizer products are sold in, can focus light to the point of boiling water. That’s still less heat than what is needed to ignite sanitizers, but it is important to be aware of where you place your sanitizer. There is no reason to take unnecessary chances.
Water Mold Fire Restoration of Syracuse, (315) 520-8942, wants you to know that even during this pandemic, our technicians are ready to lend a hand if you need us. We are a nationally certified water, mold, and fire remediation company with years of experience helping our Syracuse neighbors in times of emergency. Contact us 24/7 and e will respond in one hour or less. Take care and stay safe!
