The active ingredient in PURELL is ethyl alcohol - sometimes referred to as "mother nature's disenfectant." Ethyl alcohol is classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Category I active ingredient, which means it's generally recognized as safe and effective when used as directed.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the purchasing protocol that governs all Federal purchasing decisions.
As part of the FAR, the Trade Agreements Act (TAA), clause 52.225-5 trade agreements, stipulates that suppliers with Federal Government contracts are required to deliver only U.S. made or designated country end products (as defined in the FAR) under the terms of that contract.
Federal Government end users can choose to purchase products off contract, under what is termed "open market conditions". In these instances, the supplier must advise the end user that the products they are purchasing are not from a TAA designated country so that the purchaser can make an informed decision.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used when hands are not visibly soiled. If hands are visibly soiled, use soap and water.
Clinical studies have shown that a properly formulated alcohol-based hand sanitizer with emollients (such as PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer) is actually better tolerated than soap-and-water handwashing - not drying and irritating.
GOJO technical personnel know the science of hand hygiene, monitor the latest research affecting the category and work with global thought leaders, so they may respond to your questions. To contact GOJO technical personnel, call 800-321-9647 and mention that you have a question about efficacy.
Poor personal hygiene and field sanitation may result in illness, which can impact your ability to perform your mission.
Find out what impact the spread of germs can have on you and your unit >
In a recent military study,1 using PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer along with regular handwashing:
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1. Matt, P., Sisk, B., Arbogast, J.W., Ferrazzano Yaussy, C., Sheehan, P.J. (2005, August) Reducing Lost Training Time in IET; A Comprehensive Hand Hygiene Approach at Fort Sill, OK. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the USACHPPM Force Health Protection, Louisville, KY.