Is Isopropyl Alcohol Safe for Ingestion and Use on Surfaces?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the safety of using 100% isopropyl alcohol for disinfecting surfaces and its implications for ingestion, particularly in the context of drinking from a can that has been sprayed with the substance. Participants explore its effectiveness against viruses, potential health risks, and safety precautions related to its use.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the safety of spraying isopropyl alcohol on a soft drink can before consumption, expressing concern about potential health risks from ingestion and whether it effectively kills the coronavirus.
  • Another participant asserts that isopropyl alcohol is an effective antibacterial and antiviral agent but cautions against ingestion, inhalation, or contact with eyes, suggesting that a small amount ingested may not be harmful.
  • A different participant confirms that 100% isopropyl alcohol can kill the coronavirus and recommends allowing it to evaporate completely before drinking to avoid ingestion of the alcohol itself.
  • There is a reminder about the flammability of isopropyl alcohol vapor, emphasizing safety precautions when near open flames.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety of ingesting isopropyl alcohol, with some suggesting it is not harmful in small amounts while others emphasize that it should not be ingested at all. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the safety of using isopropyl alcohol on surfaces intended for consumption.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding assumptions about the concentration of isopropyl alcohol and the conditions under which it is used. The discussion does not clarify the specific health effects of ingesting isopropyl alcohol or the exact time required for effective evaporation.

Matt204823545
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Is it safe to use it everywhere?
I bought a can of soft drink and was wondering whether I should spray 100% isopropyl on it before putting my mouth on it to drink. I did spray and it smelt bad but I wiped it off and drank the can. Is that unsafe or is it the opposite, safer than drinking without spraying? Would it kill corona virus? If I ingested some of the alcohol (didn't wipe off all of it) is it harmful?

I used this: https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/3m-isopropyl-alcohol-surface-prep---125ml/347001.html
 
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Isopropyl alcohol is safe and effective as an antibacterial and antiviral agent, but don't drink it, inhale it much, or get it in your eyes ##-## its vapor is flammable, and it evaporates completely without leaving residue (other than perhaps something that might have been dissolved in it) ##-## oral ingestion of a small (e.g. < 1cc) amount won't harm you.
 
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Yes, 100% isopropyl alcohol will kill the coronavirus. Let it evaporate completely before drinking, so that it has time to kill the virus (about 30 seconds will reduce it by more than a 1000 times), and so that you don't drink it.
 
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Thanks guys!
 
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sysprog said:
its vapor is flammable
Yeah, if you are barbecuing or sitting around a campfire, keep the alcohol-based sanitizer well away from the flames, and be sure your hands are completely dry/evaporated before getting anywhere near the flames. Your Public Service Announcement for the day... :smile:
 
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