PURELL sanitizing hand wipes are antimicrobial premoistened hand wipes with 62% ethyl alcohol to help reduce the number of germs on hands and remove light soils. These 6.5 x 4.5-inch wipes are individually wrapped and folded into 2 x 2-inch tear-open packets for portability and to retain moisture. Hand sanitizers (also called hand antiseptics) are liquids, gels, or foams that help reduce the number of germs on hands when a small amount is rubbed into the skin; no rinsing with water or drying with towels is needed. In situations when soap and water are not available, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands, but do not eliminate every kind of pathogenic microorganism. Hand sanitizers are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty. They are available in a range of sizes, from small bottles for personal use to large mounted dispensers for public or institutional use. They are also available as wipes: small, disposable paper or nonwoven towels soaked in a hand sanitizer liquid. Hand sanitizers are typically part of hand hygiene programs at health care and food processing facilities, where pathogenic microorganisms are common. GOJO Industries manufactures hygiene products, including hand washing, hand sanitizing, and skin care formulas under the GOJO, PURELL, PROVON, MICRELL, and AQUELL brands. The company, founded in 1946, is headquartered in Akron, OH.
