Alcohol is NOT an
effective sanitizer.
From an e-mail sent by Gary Cole to the list
Oct 24, 2003
List...
I don't know why we have to go over this over and over but alcohol is not the perfect sterilizer and should NOT be used to clean face painting sponges, brushes, water cups etc. etc. In fact if not used properly alcohol can cause more harm than good. It also can be harmful to your artists brushes. The text below is from a paper written by those at the University of Nebraska. I found this on a search on the internet. The bottom line is it says that "Alcohols are not effective against bacterial spores and non-enveloped viruses." Even more important it says that "Alcohols require time to work and do not penetrate organic material." The fibers of "hair" of an artist brush easily fit the definition of "organic material".
It goes on to say that "Alcohol is not only irritating to tissues, but the damage to proteins in open wounds may actually promote bacterial growth."
People on this list that state cleaning face painting "tools" in alcohol or adding it to their water as a sanitizer are simply wrong. If you leave ANY alcohol in your brush and then paint on any skin irritation or get it in the eye, you can cause harm. You are not helping, you are hurting. Simply do not use alcohol in any form of cleaning your brushes or sponges. Lots of hot or warm water is the most effective way to wash and rinse your face painting tools. Also... allow your painting tools to thoroughly dry before you pack them away.
When one makes a statement that the guidelines state the sterilization of face painting tools is REQUIRED between each customer. I do not believe it. I want someone that makes such a statement to send something to the list that supports such a foolish claim.
Gary Cole
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Alcohols:
Alcohols are commonly used topical disinfectants. They effective against Gram + and Gram - bacteria, fungal spores, and enveloped viruses. Alcohols are not effective against bacterial spores and non-enveloped viruses. Alcohols require time to work and do not penetrate organic material. Alcohol is not only irritating to tissues, but the damage to proteins in open wounds may actually promote bacterial growth. Too expensive for general use.
Summary:
1)
Wide germicidal activity, non-
corrosive, poses a fire hazard and irritating to tissues
2) Limited activity in the presence of organic matter and limited residual activity.
3) Not effective against bacterial or fungal spores
4) Excellent when used at 70-95% concentration for disinfecting instruments, etc.
This was taken from the link... http://gpvec.unl.edu/Biosecurity-CD/BS-Manual/BS-Man-A-4-DisinfectantSel.doc