Which population may require special caution when using alcohol-based hand rubs?

The correct answer indicates that children may require special caution when using alcohol-based hand rubs. This caution is primarily due to the differences in skin sensitivity and the potential for accidental ingestion.

Children often have more delicate skin, which can be more susceptible to irritation from the high alcohol content in these products. Additionally, younger children may not yet understand the importance of using hand sanitizer properly, increasing the risk of them swallowing the product, leading to alcohol poisoning. Therefore, it is important for caregivers to supervise the use of alcohol-based hand rubs in children and consider alternative options, like soap and water, especially in younger age groups.

While other populations such as adults, pregnant women, and the elderly also have considerations regarding alcohol-based hand rubs, they do not face the same heightened risk as children. Adults generally have more developed awareness regarding proper usage, pregnant women are often advised to practice good hygiene without specific restrictions against alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and the elderly may have skin that is more fragile but do not face the same ingestion risks that children do.