RESPONDING TO MARKET DEMAND: PRODUCTION OF HAND SANITISING LIQUID

Health

As an immediate response to the shortage of disinfectant products for the general public on the market during the global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, ODA’s production unit launched ODA Disinfectant Liquid. ODA disinfectant is formulated according to the World Health Organisation’s recommended formula 1. Hand sanitisers of this formula, when used in strict compliance with the recommendations, are effective against the enveloped (lipophilic) group of viruses, which includes SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) virus.

WHO-regulated formula

ODA hand sanitising liquid was launched at the ODA production unit in Elektrenai in response to the shortage of this product, especially in small packages. “Small manufacturing companies like ours are more flexible, quicker to react to customer needs, so we can design, manufacture and ultimately deliver the right product faster. In addition, the smaller scale of production ensures maximum precision and guarantees the quality of every product in the series,” says Irena Jokšienė, founder of ODA LT, explaining that according to World Health Organisation regulations, disinfectants must contain at least 62% ethyl alcohol. ODA’s disinfectant liquid, produced according to WHO formula 1, contains 80% ethyl alcohol.

Aiva Mitrulevičienė, Head of the ODA Laboratory, explains why it is important that the disinfectant liquid is manufactured according to WHO recommended formula 1: “Disinfectant liquids are classified as biocides – substances or mixtures of substances intended to destroy or control harmful organisms by chemical or biological means. During this special period, the Lithuanian Government has simplified the licensing process for those who can and want to produce disinfectant liquids, but this can only be done strictly according to a set formula. Disinfectant made according to WHO formula 1 must contain 80% ethyl alcohol. The effectiveness of this formula has been proven in scientific studies,” explains the head of the ODA laboratory. The 80% ethyl alcohol content of this ODA product therefore provides effective protection against harmful micro-organisms, viruses and bacteria.

Designed specifically for hands

ODA has two hand sanitisers in 170 ml and 200 ml. The effectiveness of the disinfectant does not depend on the packaging, the customer chooses the capacity of the product according to convenience: the 170 ml pack is compact for carrying around in a handbag or bag, while the 200 ml pack with its convenient click dispensing function is more suitable for storage in living rooms or offices. According to Inga Krivičienė, Production Manager at ODA, about 3 ml of the product should be enough for a single use. She reminds us that it is very important to make sure that the packaging of the disinfectant used is tightly sealed. “Disinfectant liquid has a shelf life of 2 years. However, if the packaging is left open, the disinfectant will evaporate,” says the production manager.

Meanwhile, Aiva Mitrulevičienė, head of the laboratory, stresses that ODA disinfectant liquid is a hand disinfectant: other types of biocidal products are used to disinfect surfaces or tools. ODA hand sanitiser for antiviral hand protection is used on an as-needed basis – after washing hands after toileting, before eating and when it is not possible to wash hands. The instructions for disinfectants usually state: “Pour the disinfectant on the palm of your hand, spread evenly over your hands and rub your hands until dry. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.” However, we asked Aiva Mitrulevičienė for more information on how to use disinfectants correctly in practice. “Disinfectant liquid is used after washing hands cleanly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, rubbing the palms of the hands, between the fingers and thumbs, and rubbing the fingertips. There are WHO recommendations on the movements needed to wash hands cleanly. – says A. Mitrulevičienė. – In cases where it is not possible to wash hands (in public transport, supermarkets, etc.), disinfectant liquid is used.”

Hand moisturising – extra protection against viruses

ODA hand sanitiser contains glycerine, which helps protect the skin from drying out. In addition, frequent use of the disinfectant should be accompanied by application of ODA Nourishing Hand Cream with snail concentrate and almond and avocado oils. This hand cream is designed to effectively restore the skin’s moisture balance, nourish and soften it. If your hands are particularly chapped, it is advisable to restore their healthy structure with the ODA Repair Serum with Vitamin C. It is designed to stimulate the skin’s regeneration, restore its healthy condition and soothe irritation. Vitamin C protects the skin from the damaging effects of the environment.

According to dermatologists, moisturising, nourishing or restorative hand care products also provide protection against the adverse effects of the environment by providing a protective barrier and, most importantly, protect against drying and cracking or other drastic damage. Dry, cracked and damaged hand skin is less resistant to viruses, making it easier for germs to enter the human body. Therefore, we recommend that hands that are constantly disinfected should be treated several times a day with a hand cream and, if more intensive care is needed, with an ODA repair serum with vitamin C.