As the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate in several states in the U.S., hand sanitizer is likely to remain a highly sought-after product. While the widespread shortage in March and April appears to have diminished, there is new concern about some containing a toxic ingredient, which could cause health problems of their own.
The United States Food and Drug Administration has warned the public that a manufacturer in Mexico has been producing disinfectant with an ingredient that could be deadly when absorbed through the skin or ingested. Methanol, which is wood alcohol, has been found in hand sanitizers manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV. Here is a summary of the nine types that contain the possibly fatal ingredient, through TooFab.
- Completely clean hand sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
- Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
- Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
- Good Gel Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer Gel (NDC: 74589-010-10)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
- Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
While New York City, New York was originally the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S., the city has reported fewer and fewer confirmed cases, along with a drop in hospitalizations, lessening strain on its medical system . Now Florida is looking to take on that role and is just one of 10 states that have seen record seven-day averages of new cases daily.
Other states include Alabama, Arizona, California, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, and Texas. The data was compiled by Johns Hopkins University, which has confirmed more than 2.3 million cases in the United States, with nearly 122,000 deaths. With less than 500,000 deaths reported globally, deaths in the United States represent a quarter of that number.
Given the federal government’s handling of the pandemic, the United States could join the upcoming EU travel ban, which would include Brazil and Russia. The list itself is still being finalized, although it is expected to be sent to all 27 members of the block next week. The intention is to present it before its reopening scheduled for July 1. Union members are actively encouraged to adopt the travel ban, which could lead to tighter border controls within the country bloc if not applied.
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