Chemical safety
Never use industrial alcohol as handrub
Use a properly labelled product intended for hands, never industrial alcohol. Keep unclear products out of use and ask the supplier for identification.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
Why it matters
Industrial alcohol may contain toxic ingredients unsuitable for skin use.
Wrong action
Diluting cheap industrial alcohol into homemade handrub.
Correct action
Use a properly labelled product intended for hands, never industrial alcohol.
What to do
- Check the stated use and complete ingredients of a hand-hygiene product.
- Use a properly labelled product intended for hands, never industrial alcohol.
- Keep unclear products out of use and ask the supplier for identification.
If something happens
For serious injury, unconsciousness or difficulty breathing, keep yourself safe, call 999 and follow the operator.
Sources and review
- Hong Kong Consumer Council — Consumer Council: industrial alcohol is not handrub
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.