Two dozen more poisonous hand sanitizers containing wood alcohol added to FDA warning list
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday added two dozen hand sanitizers to the list of those containing wood alcohol, or methanol, a toxic substance.
“FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination,” the federal agency said late last week in an updated warning.
Methanol, or wood alcohol, is used to make antifreeze and fuel, CNN noted. The FDA emphasized that it can be toxic whether absorbed through the skin or ingested, and can be life-threatening if ingested.
“The agency is aware of adults and children ingesting hand sanitizer products contaminated with methanol that has led to recent adverse events including blindness, hospitalizations and death,” the FDA said in its most recent statement.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache and blurred vision, but can progress to “permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death,” the FDA said.
Last month three people in New Mexico died and one blinded after they drank hand sanitizer containing methanol.
Three dead in New Mexico after drinking hand sanitizer, fourth permanently blind
The substance is especially dangerous for young children to ingest, the FDA said, “although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk for methanol poisoning.”
The additions were part of the ongoing investigation that the FDA is doing, analyzing hand sanitizers for content. Last month the FDA added nine varieties to the list. Most are made in Mexico.
FDA warns consumers not to use these 9 ‘potentially dangerous’ hand sanitizers
“FDA remains vigilant and will continue to take action when quality issues arise with hand sanitizers,” the agency said.
The correct active ingredient in such sanitizers is ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, the FDA said. The best defense is actual hand washing for at least 20 seconds, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Any sanitizer used should contain at least 60% ethanol.
The sanitizers are sold under a variety of brand names, made by several manufacturers, including the Mexican companies Eskbiochem, 4E Global, AAA Cosmetica, DDI Multinacional, Grupo Insoma, Limpo Quimicos, and others. Brands include Hello Kitty by Sanrio Hand Sanitizer, Blumen, Klar and Danver, Modesa and others.
“FDA recommends consumers stop using these hand sanitizers and dispose of them immediately in appropriate hazardous waste containers,” the FDA said. “Do not flush or pour these products down the drain.”
