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When organizations talk about hand hygiene, the conversation usually centers on health and safety. That makes sense. Clean hands help prevent the spread of illness, protect employees and customers, and support compliance across regulated industries. But there’s another side to the story that often gets overlooked — return on investment. For healthcare systems, schools, offices, […]

Reliable hand hygiene isn’t just about the products you choose—it’s also about the equipment that delivers them. In high-traffic environments like schools, healthcare facilities, government buildings, and manufacturing plants, hand sanitizer dispensers endure constant use. Over time, even the most durable dispensers can experience wear that affects performance, creates frustration for staff and visitors, and […]

Hand hygiene isn’t just for hospitals anymore. Offices, schools, factories, and public spaces are joining the movement toward measurable, sustainable hygiene. For decades, hand hygiene programs have been synonymous with healthcare. Posters of hand-washing techniques lined hospital corridors, and compliance audits drove infection-prevention goals. But in 2025, the conversation has expanded — far beyond the […]

In healthcare facilities, classrooms, restaurants, and hotels, clean hands are non-negotiable. But not all soaps and sanitizers are created equal. Many products rely on added dyes to create bright colors or brand recognition — even though those additives serve no functional purpose. At B4 Brands, we take a different approach. Our Avant® hand sanitizers and […]

Reinforcing the Role of Hand Hygiene—Gloved or Not At B4 Brands, our mission has always been clear: to protect people through effective, responsible hand hygiene. So when the World Health Organization (WHO) released its theme for World Hand Hygiene Day 2025, we paid close attention. “It might be gloves, it’s always hand hygiene.” This timely […]

Summer brings sunshine, travel, camps, family vacations, and outdoor fun—but it doesn’t mean germs are taking time off. In fact, warm weather, increased gatherings, and shared spaces can create the perfect storm for bacteria and viruses to spread. Whether you’re managing a school facility, running a government office, caring for patients, or just heading to […]

When it comes to selecting the right hand sanitizer for your business, school, or healthcare facility, one of the most common questions is: Should I choose a hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol or 70% alcohol? Many assume that higher alcohol content automatically means better germ-killing power, but the reality is more nuanced. While both 60% […]

Fragrances in hand soap and hand sanitizer, while pleasing for some, can pose serious health and environmental risks, particularly for sensitive individuals. Despite the widespread use of fragranced products, many people remain unaware of the potential dangers they bring. According to the International Fragrance Association, over 3,500 fragrance chemicals are currently in use, some of […]

Hand sanitizer has become an essential product for personal hygiene, especially in environments where soap and water may not be readily available. Like most products, however, hand sanitizers have a shelf life, and it’s important to understand how expiration affects their effectiveness and safety. B4 Brands, the manufacturer of Avant hand sanitizer, emphasizes not only […]

When it comes to hand hygiene, soap is a non-negotiable essential, but choosing between foam hand soap and liquid hand soap can leave many consumers unsure of which option is best for their needs. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and Aterra Hand Soap offers both foam and liquid varieties, giving users the freedom to […]

A newly emerged COVID-19 variant, called XEC, is gaining attention due to its unique combination of mutations from both Omicron and Delta strains. This recombination could potentially alter how the virus behaves, although experts are still studying its impact. What are the symptoms of XEC? XEC shares many symptoms with previous variants, including fever, cough, […]

Hand hygiene remains a critical component in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and ensuring patient safety. Recognizing this, the Leapfrog Group has continually refined its hand hygiene standards to help healthcare facilities maintain high levels of compliance and effectiveness. A recent update to these standards includes a new volume-based measurement for alcohol-based hand sanitizer, providing facilities […]

In light of the CDC’s recent update on the A(H5N1) avian influenza outbreak, it is essential to highlight the extensive and cooperative measures being taken to address this public health issue. The CDC’s actions, in conjunction with the USDA, FDA, and state health officials, reflect a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, […]

Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of public health, preventing the spread of infections and improving outcomes in healthcare settings and communities worldwide. As we continue our efforts to combat infectious diseases, understanding the current landscape of hand hygiene in 2024 is crucial for shaping effective public health strategies. Global Access to Handwashing Facilities As of […]

Iowa’s rivers. They are our waterways. The home of countless Iowa wildlife. Transportation hubs. Beloved recreational spots. The location of countless family memories and moments. And they are more endangered today than they have been before. Two organizations with a clear vision and a deep commitment to bettering the quality of life and health of […]

Allergies can significantly disrupt daily life, with symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe discomfort. While there are numerous strategies to manage these symptoms, maintaining excellent hand hygiene stands out as a simple yet effective method. Washing hands regularly and using hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable can significantly decrease the transfer of […]

Our homes are sanctuaries, offering comfort and safety from the outside world. Yet, unbeknownst to many, they also host an unseen world of germs and bacteria, adept at concealing themselves in the most unexpected places. These microbial hideouts are as varied and surprising as the tactics of a seasoned spy, making our living spaces battlegrounds […]

We’ve all learned to live with countless viral threats during the age of COVID, but the most advanced current strain of the Coronavirus may be one of the most troublesome and sickly variants yet. It’s name is JN.1, and it’s riddling doctors across Iowa and the United States as it infects Americans with little resistance. […]

Navigating the world of baby products can be overwhelming, with countless options and considerations for safety. Fortunately, several online resources serve as trustworthy guides, ensuring parents make informed choices to keep their little ones safe and healthy. HealthyChildren.org HealthyChildren.org stands tall as a beacon of reliable information, courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics. This platform […]

What is baby safe hand sanitizer? “Baby safe hand sanitizer” typically refers to a hand sanitizer that is formulated to be gentle and safe for use on the sensitive skin of babies and young children. Babies have delicate skin that can be more sensitive to harsh chemicals and fragrances found in regular hand sanitizers. A […]

As we return to school, especially during times when hygiene is a significant concern, it’s essential to focus on maintaining good hand hygiene practices to prevent the spread of germs. Here are some tips and ideas to promote hand hygiene in a school setting: Frequent Handwashing: Encourage students and staff to wash their hands regularly […]

In a day and age when we’re most always on the move, the temptation to wash our hands on the go is real: Rinse and run, air dry on the go. But if you don’t dry your hands after washing them, did you really wash them at all? Unfortunately, the statistics say no. “Wet hands […]

Sadly, Influenza is writing Iowa’s worst comeback story of the year. After lying mostly dormant for the last two seasons, the flu is roaring both across the state and the nation during what has been an alarming and extremely sickly start to the 2023-23 cold and flu season. Arriving earlier than usual, Influenza has already […]

For U.S. children this flu season, there’s no scarier letters than RSV. After two years of lying relatively dormant thanks to COVID-19 social distancing and prevention measures, Respiratory Syncytial Virus has been storming the country coast to coast. RSV, which affects the nose, throat and lungs, is the leading cause of hospitalizations among babies. This […]