Is rubbing alcohol biodegradable

Answer 1

Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol, isopropanol) is used as a 70% mixture with water for rubdowns because it cools the skin by evaporation and causes pores to close. Isopropyl alcohol has been used for preparing needles and syringes for hypodermic injection. Isopropyl alcohol does not contain ethyl or grain alcohol. It is also used as a solvent for medicine, as a sterilant for instruments and as a skin cleanser before drawing blood or giving injections. Isopropyl alcohol has been shown to be an excellent antiseptic product. It appears to be lethal to bacterial, fungi and viruses, including the AIDS virus. It has also been effectively used as a solution and as a spray for its antiseptic properties as is shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,441,723 and 5,145,663. It is a disinfectant which is nontoxic, biodegradable, material compatible and highly effective.