Are Alcohol Sanitizers Effective Against Viruses Like SARS/Coronavirus?

Are alcohol sanitizers effective against viruses like SARS/coronavirus?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 and other enveloped viruses. The efficacy is influenced by the type and concentration of alcohol, formulation, and application method. Ethanol and isopropanol, particularly in concentrations of 70-85%, are highly effective. The addition of surfactants can further enhance the virucidal efficiency of these sanitizers. Overall, ABHS are a crucial tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially when soap and water are not available.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of effective hand hygiene in preventing the spread of the virus. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) have been widely recommended as a preventive measure against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. This synthesis examines the efficacy of alcohol-based hand sanitizers against SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses.

Key Insights

• Effectiveness of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers:
  • Most alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective at inactivating enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-21 2 4 5 7.
  • Ethanol and isopropanol, commonly used in ABHS, are effective in concentrations ranging from 70-85%5 7 9.
  • Ethanol at a concentration of 30% (w/w) [36.2% (v/v)] can almost completely inactivate SARS-CoV-29.
• Mechanism of Action:
  • The primary mechanism involves the denaturation of proteins around the viral envelope, effectively inactivating the virus5.
• Formulation and Application:
  • The type and concentration of alcohol, formulation, applied volume, and contact time are critical factors determining the effectiveness of hand sanitizers4.
  • Both gel and foam formulations of alcohol-based hand sanitizers have been shown to be effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-22.
• Synergistic Effects:
  • The addition of surfactants to alcohol-based sanitizers can enhance virucidal efficiency by increasing surface contact time and improving the inactivation of SARS-CoV-23.
• Regulatory Recommendations:
  • WHO recommends disinfectants containing 75% isopropanol or 80% ethanol as highly effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-27.

Are alcohol sanitizers effective against viruses like SARS/coronavirus?

Kelly Reynolds has answered Near Certain

An expert from University of Arizona in Microbiology, Public Health

Properly formulated alcohol hand sanitizers are effective against viruses like SARS/coronavirus. The coronavirus is a single-stranded RNA virus with an external envelope. Destruction of the envelope effectively reduces the viruses ability to infect host cells. Hand sanitizer products with at least 60% alcohol are recommended for maximum efficacy. Consumers should be sure to use enough product for hands to stay wet for a full 30 seconds.  

Are alcohol sanitizers effective against viruses like SARS/coronavirus?

Palli Thordarson has answered Near Certain

An expert from UNSW Sydney in Chemistry, Biochemistry

Alcohol based products, which pretty includes all “disinfectants” and “antibacterial” products contain a high-% alcohol solution, typically 60-80% ethanol, sometimes with a bit of isopropanol as well and then water + a bit of a soap.

Ethanol and other alcohols do not only readily form hydrogen bonds with the virus material but as a solvent, are more lipophilic than water. Hence alcohol do also dissolve the lipid membrane and disrupt other supramolecular interactions in the virus.

However, you need a fairly high concentration (maybe +60%) of the alcohol to get a rapid dissolution of the virus. Vodka or whiskey (usually 40% ethanol – see picture), will not dissolve the virus as quickly. Overall alcohol is not quite as good as soap at this task.

Nearly all antibacterial products contain alcohol and some soap and this does help killing viruses. But some also include “active” bacterial killing agents, like triclosan. Those, however, do basically nothing to the virus!