Tag: Rubbing alcohol

Worldwide, around 2.6 million deaths were caused by alcohol consumption in 2019, highlighting the significant health risks associated with certain alcohol substances. However, beyond the well-known example of ethanol in alcoholic drinks, the chemical class of alcohols includes many different compounds with diverse industrial, medical, and everyday applications.

While rubbing alcohol is a common household disinfectant, a 2013 study found that 70% isopropyl alcohol is most effective for killing surface fungus, and higher concentrations can be less potent. This guide explains why concentration matters, how to use alcohol safely, and what limitations to know when considering what alcohol is best for fungus for minor infections.

While one gram of consumable alcohol (ethanol) provides about seven calories, this does not apply to rubbing alcohol, which is extremely toxic and not meant for human ingestion under any circumstances. Despite containing chemical energy, any potential calories in rubbing alcohol are irrelevant and dangerous to consider for consumption.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, repeated, high-level exposure to isopropyl alcohol (IPA) can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and even unconsciousness. This raises a critical question for many: is IPA bad for health, especially given its widespread presence in household products?

Ingesting isopropyl alcohol, commonly found in products like rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer, can lead to severe poisoning, organ damage, and even death. While often confused with India Pale Ale beer (also known as IPA), this chemical has no nutritional value and is highly toxic when consumed.