IIT Delhi Makes Its Own Hand Sanitizers To Deal With Shortage

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to people flocking to stores to stock up on masks and hand sanitizers. And to deal with sanitizer shortage, the Department of Chemistry of IIT Delhi has decided to make its own hand sanitizers.

On Facebook, V. Ramgopal Rao, IIT Delhi’s director explained how the institute was having to deal with a hand sanitizer shortage on its campus.

To avoid infection, public health experts advise people to clean their hands with water and soap or an alcohol-based solution for at least 20 seconds.

According to Rao, even when hand sanitizers were available, they were charged at exorbitant prices and their quality was suspected.

Head of Department of Chemistry, Prof. Anil J Elias, said that alcohol rub sanitizers contained at least 70% alcohol to kill microorganisms after 30 seconds to one minute.

People are searching for hand sanitizers because of their convenience when water and soap aren’t available.

The formulation of the hand sanitizers produced by IIT Delhi Aloe Vera and three other chemicals. Isopropyl alcohol (75%) is a major component.

The outbreak first started out in Wuhan, China and since then, it has spread to over 160 countries around the world. 336,000 cases have been recorded with over 14,600 deaths. India has 396 total confirmed cases with 7 deaths. 75 districts in the country have entered full lockdown. All rail movements have been stopped. Preventing the spread of the virus, many state governments have shut down colleges, schools, colleges until March 31st. Restaurants are facing a huge loss in profit as people avoid public places in fear of COVID-19. Travelers arriving at the Indian borders will have their body temperatures checked by the medical staff.

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