Many new companies have been selling hand sanitizer products due to increased demand fueled by fears of the coronavirus and a shortage of common products. But the FDA said Monday that many companies are using unsafe alcohols in their products, and is warning people not to use them.
“The failure of manufacturers to immediately recall all potentially affected products is putting consumers at risk of methanol poisoning,” the FDA said in a statement.
“Consumers should also be vigilant about the hand sanitizers they use, and for their health and safety, we urge consumers to stop using all hand sanitizers on the FDA’s list of dangerous hand sanitizers,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn said in a statement. .
“We remain extremely concerned about the potential serious risks of methanol-containing alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Producing, importing, and distributing toxic hand sanitizers represents a serious threat to the public and will not be tolerated. The FDA will take additional action as appropriate. necessary and will continue to provide the latest information on this topic for consumer health and safety. “
Earlier this month, the FDA said that at least four people died in New Mexico after they allegedly drank hand sanitizers. The isopropyl alcohol generally used in hand sanitizer is not as toxic as methanol, but the FDA does not recommend eating or drinking hand sanitizer.
“Exposure to methanol can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent nervous system damage, or death,” says the FDA.
“Although people who use these products on their hands are at risk for methanol poisoning, young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as substitutes for alcohol (ethanol) are at higher risk. Consumers who have been exposed to hands “The disinfectant that contains methanol and is experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical treatment for possible reversal of the toxic effects of methanol poisoning,” he added.
The FDA has warned against using more than 75 different hand sanitizers because they contain methanol.
“In most cases, methanol does not appear on the product label. However, methanol is not an acceptable ingredient in any medication, including hand sanitizer, even if methanol is listed as an ingredient on the product label. “said the FDA.
“Importantly, the FDA is urging consumers not to use any particular manufacturers hand sanitizer listed, even if the particular product or batch number is not listed, as some manufacturers They are removing only certain, but not all, disinfectant products from their hands. “
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