Purell

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Purell is an instant hand sanitizer which claims to kill "99.99% of most common germs that may cause illness in as little as 15 seconds." Its active ingredient is ethyl alcohol (62%). It is used by wetting one's hands thoroughly with the product, then briskly rubbing one's hands together until dry. Purell is the most popular hand sanitizer in the U.S.^{[citation needed]}

Pfizer acquired the exclusive rights to distribute Purell in the consumer market from GOJO Industries in 2004^[1], and on June 27 2006 Johnson & Johnson announced its acquisition of the Pfizer Consumer Healthcare division, which includes the Purell brand, for $16.6 billion.^[2]

In 2006, The New York Times reported that Purell is heavily used by politicians during election season, when they have to shake countless hands and remain in robust health.^[3]

The product is flammable and may discolor fabrics. The inactive ingredients include water, isopropyl alcohol, glycerin, carbomer, fragrance, aminomethyl propanol, propylene glycol, isopropyl myristate, and tocopheryl acetate.

Health risks

The product is labeled as needing to be kept out of the reach of children. The Chicago Tribune reported that children have become inebriated by ingesting Purell. One child's ingestion of the hand sanitizer caused her blood alcohol level to reach 0.218. ^[4]

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