In recent Covid-19 lockdown times, many types of real and fake news circulated across different media. And of course, WhatsApp and FB messages and videos were widely used to spread various types of messages because of their accessibility, popularity and ease-of-use. However, the real problem starts when people start forwarding unverified messages and videos that add to the confusion instead of clearing doubts about any issue. One such message that created confusion was about hand sanitizer bursting in car. So, the question is ” Can hand sanitizer explode, burst or catch fire if left in a car?” We’ll do a reality check.
Sanitizer contains alcohol which is inflammable
Yes, that’s right. Alcohol is inflammable and can catch fire if there is some spark or ignition or something is already burning nearby within a touching distance. Also, carrying large quantities of it in a car can be a fire hazard. However, for any alcohol-based sanitizer to catch fire on its own, the temperature around it should be 700 degrees Fahrenheit, which is next to impossible unless something is burning nearby. As per Earth Observatory , even the hottest place on earth has a temperature of approximately 175 degrees Fahrenheit, which is far less than what is required to cause a fire on its own. Makes sense?
What if we leave hand sanitizer in car?
The next question is what if we leave a hand-sanitizer bottle in the car? See, as long as its cap is tightly closed, there is no harm in keeping it in your car, but why’d you leave it in the car? Why not carry it with you so that you can use it when required? In the worst scenario, the liquid can leak if its cap is open. It can spoil the floor or dashboard of your car. If you park your car in scorching sun for long duration, some of the liquid can evaporate, but that is also highly unlikely, but possible. If it evaporates, then its efficacy or ability to kill bacteria and virus can get slightly impacted.
What if hand-sanitizer in left in cold temperature?
Well, that is really interesting. Will it freeze? At what temperature will hand sanitizer freeze? Usually all hand sanitizers contain Ethyl alcohol or Isopropyl alcohol which has a freezing point of -114 to -128 degree F. The temperature at the coldest inhabited place on earth, Oymyakon is around -72 F. So it is out of question that your hand sanitizer will freeze unless you are planning a trip to Antarctica, which is obviously not the case. I think that answers the question as to what will happen if hand-sanitizer in left in cold temperature.
Hand Sanitizer -Best Practice to Stay Safe During Covid-19 time
It goes without saying that the best use of hand-sanitiser is to sanitize your hands after touching any surface, which is advised during Covid-19 times. Though it is provided at almost all public places where lockdown restrictions have been eased, I’d suggest carry your own and use it if washing your hand with soap and water is not possible. Excess use of hand-sanitizer can also cause skin related issues in some people. However, safety from Coronavirus is our first priority in current times, therefore using it wisely is the key.
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