The story of Lupe Hernández, a nursing student from Bakersfield, California, who is said to have invented hand sanitizer in 1966, has circulated widely. According to this narrative, Hernández developed a gel form of rubbing alcohol to enable people to clean their hands without access to water and soap. She reportedly patented her invention, which later became a staple in hygiene practices.
Investigating the Legend
Despite the popularity of this account, efforts to substantiate the existence of Lupe Hernández and her role in inventing hand sanitizer have yielded no concrete evidence. Researchers, including those from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, have found no records of a patent for such an invention under her name. Additionally, searches through newspaper archives and databases have not uncovered any references to her or her contribution. (laii.unm.edu)
The earliest patents for gel-based hand sanitizers date to the 1990s, notably after the period attributed to Hernández’s alleged invention. (es.wikipedia.org) This timeline discrepancy further challenges the authenticity of the legend.
The Origin of the Tale
The narrative gained prominence through a 2012 article in The Guardian, which traced the history of hand sanitizer and its global impact. This piece appears to be the primary source propagating the story of Hernández’s alleged invention. However, the article does not cite primary sources to verify the account, leading to questions about its accuracy. (remezcla.com)
The Power of Myth
The enduring nature of the Lupe Hernández legend highlights the importance of critically evaluating sources and verifying historical claims. While the story is compelling, especially in celebrating a Latina’s contribution to public health, the lack of evidence suggests it may be more myth than fact.
External Resources
For a deeper dive into the origins of the hand sanitizer legend, consider these articles:
