Control of the alcohol content of hydroalcoholic products marketed in Algeria during the COVID-19 pandemic by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic (since March 2020) and the establishment of health measures are at the origin of an increase in the marketing of hydroalcoholic products (HAPs). Indeed, for fight against the coronavirus transmission, the public is aware to hands disinfection with hydroalcoholic products. The efficiency of these products is directly related to the content (≥ 60% v/v) of antiseptic alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol). The Algerian regulation classifies the HAPs as cosmetic and cleaning products without minimum content requirement of the antiseptic alcohol. Objectives: This work purpose to estimate the quality of HAPs marketed in Algeria during the year 2021 by determination of their antiseptic alcohol content. Materials and method: For this purpose, 52 HAPs have been selected and analysed by gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID), to identify and quantify the alcoholic agent. Results: 23 (44.23%) HAPs are not efficient due to they contain less than 60%v/v of alcohol. These products should not be used to fight against the coronavirus spread. 09 HAPs (17.31%) contain more than 80% v/v of alcohol. Furthermore, 05 HAPs were containing a different alcohol from the one declared. Conclusion: HAPs are an effective measure against the micro-organisms spread. However, if their alcohol content is not enough, their use would contribute to the infectious disease transmission by giving a false guarantee of efficiency.