My library was closed during the first pandemic lockdown. It took them months to figure out how to work with the restrictions so those of us secluded at home could have something to read or watch. Once I got through my stash of DVDs watching each movie TWICE, I became stir crazy. Facebook notices were posted about how essential the library is, but if it's closed during a lockdown, I guess not.
At one point I emailed the library management with gentle suggestions and helpful tips to think out of the box so they could remain viable and relevant. The thought of all those DVDs sitting in transport boxes waiting to be sent to me drove me nuts. I was told, and I quote, "That's not our job description." I wanted desperately to reply, to scream, "But you are failing miserably at your job description now so thinking out of the box might be a better solution." I didn't. I just let it go. I've learned to choose my battles carefully.
Months later they opened with "take-out" option. This was easy during the summer. All activity was outside. They even rigged a door bell in the parking lot. This was perfect for me even during non-pandemic times. Social distancing and masks were required.
Recently they finally opened the front door and with plexyglass covering the check-out counters, one person at a time is allowed to browse the shelves or use a computer for exactly five minutes. Besides masks, the requirement to enter the library is to place your hands under the hand sanitizer.
I don't browse nor do I have any need to use a computer. Never have. Our library does have a fragrance free policy, but they forget. Librarians, library patrons and books wiped with someone's hand lotion or perfume stink. I order DVDs through the online holds, they arrive, and I pick them up. Again, take-out was perfect for me. However, with all their restrictions, the delivery of DVDs was reduced to once, maybe twice, a week. It can take weeks to get one DVD. So the other day I thought, Hmmmm...maybe I should browse? Especially since they let only one person in at a time.
I don't hand sanitize. Putting chemicals on a chemically sensitive person's hands is idiotic. I know this, but I also know if I say anything I'd be grouped in with the Covidiots who are refusing to wear masks and lying about having disabilities to justify their bad behavior. So I keep my mouth shut.
I looked at the automatic spraying hand sanitizer (OMG!) and wondered silently, what's in it? I wanted to enter. I went out into my vehicle and got some plastic gloves. This is my procedure when I must hand sanitize at the food co-op: disinfect with either vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, protect my hands with gloves under the watchful eye of the store guard, sanitize, go directly to the restroom, remove gloves, wash hands for twenty seconds, put on new gloves that are located right outside the door. Pain in the ass, but I'll jump the hoops. I understand the importance of this, however, once again, the special needs of the chemically sensitive are being ignored.
I placed my gloved hands under the sanitizer and they were doused with what seemed like a gallon of stink spraying all over and into my nose. I felt the spray particles on my face! Oh shit. I rubbed them together desperately thinking I now needed to run to the nearest sink and wash. I lasted about ten seconds. The stink was overwhelming. I frantically removed the gloves and left the library.
What is in hand sanitizers? There are two types:
The second type of hand sanitizer is made with isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol or what we know as rubbing alcohol.
Other ingredients commonly used in both hand sanitizer types: thickeners which are called carbomers or cross polymers, PH adjusters like triethanolamine or aminomethyl propanol (yuck), and moisturizing agents like vegetable glycerin (yuck), Vitamin E (gluten), or aloe leaf juice.
Last, but not in any sense least: FRAGRANCE. Not all hand sanitizers use fragrances, but if they are made with either essential oils or chemicals. It is advised to not use chemical fragrances (phthalates) as they could irritate one's skin. Yep. At least someone is thinking, but unfortunately the general population doesn't think so you know they will migrate to the smelly stuff as often as possible. Scented hand sanitizers are becoming popular. It is believed, like with all other products, if it smells good, people will be more likely to use it.
The concentration requirement according to the FDA is 60% for maximum effectiveness. They do not recommend consumers make their own hand sanitizers, and highly suggest not to ever put household cleaners or disinfectants on your skin or in your body. In other words, do not follow the advise of that idiot president. Like perfumes, hand sanitizers are flammable. Make sure your hands are dry before continuing activities involving heat, sparks, static electricity or open flames. Smokers beware! If a hand sanitizer has either methanol or benzalkonium chloride in it, avoid it like the plague (pun intended). Children under six years old should not use hand sanitizers. Keep your sanitized hands away from your eyes and don't lick them. Good advice.
In Malaysia the latest fad is retail outlets are now using "aerosolization". Or disinfectant tunnels. Yep, you read that right! As you walk into the store your whole body is sprayed with chlorine bleach. This is along the same thought process as passenger airplanes being sprayed with pesticides while the passengers are on them. Or casinos and other businesses using scented products in their HVAC systems as a marketing strategy. Those in management are hoping to save time and money with mass sterilization thinking it's more effective. It's all about money and the bottom line. Malaysian officials and scientists have stated this practice is ineffective against covid, but can be harmful irritating the lungs and skin. The businesses still invest thousands of dollars on these machines and do it anyway. I know people who's extremities go numb if they get anywhere near bleach and, of course, many chemically sensitive can't use it at all without dire consequences. This is more evidence of the stupidity of people thinking more is better, and everyone needs to breathe poison, be dipped in it, or in this case sprayed down as if we are cattle.
The best way to sanitize one's hands according to the FDA: hand washing with hot water and soap. There is no evidence that antibacterial/antiseptic soap works better. Plain old soap and plain old water for twenty seconds.
Stay safe, not just from covid, but from all the stupid people trying to poison us.
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