FDA warns public about hand sanitizers contaminated with methanol
DORAL, FL – Nine hand sanitizers were found to be contaminated with methanol, also known as wood alcohol. This substance can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.
“Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic effects,” the FDA said, as reported by Channel 7 News Miami.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), being exposed to methanol can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death.
The FDA explained the products included in the advisory were created by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico and are as follow:
– All-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)
– The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (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)
If you have any of these references at home, please dispose them in hazardous waste containers instead of flushing them down the drain, as per recommendation of the FDA.
Also be especially cautious in handling these products if you live with young children, who are usually more inclined to drink of any container at their reach.
Young children, adolescents and adults who accidentally drink them as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute are more at risk for methanol poisoning, although it’s still dangerous when spread on the hands.
The FDA said they contacted Eskbiochem to recommend the company remove its hand sanitizers from the market on June 17. According to them, the company has not taken any action.
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