FDA Cautions Against the Use of 9 Potentially Toxic Hand Sanitizers

According to a news report from VeryWellHealth.com, the United States Food and Drug Administration announced the agency has discovered methanol in some hand sanitizer products and is warning against the use of nine specific brands of hand sanitizer. Methanol is a toxic substance that is easily absorbable through the skin. Currently, the FDA warning is only a precaution. However, there have three deaths, and one person was blinded in New Mexico due to the methanol hand sanitizer.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to buy or use hand sanitizers produced Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico. The FDA stated that these hand sanitizer products could contain methanol, which is poisonous when absorbed through the skin or ingested. Methanol, otherwise known as wood alcohol, is not safe for use in hand sanitizer in any quantity. The FDA tested samples of the products and discovered that two Eskbiochem products, “CleanCare No Germ” contained 28% methanol, and the company’s “Lavar Gel” contained 81% methanol. The FDA has requested Eskbiochem recalls all nine of the company’s hand sanitizer products, which include:

1. All-Clean Hand Sanitizer
2. CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol
3. CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol
4. CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol
5. CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol
6. Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer
7. Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer
8. Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer
9. The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer

According to the news story, the FDA reported that Eskbiochem has not responded to the recommended recall.

The Signs and Symptoms of Methanol Poisoning

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that skin exposure to methanol can cause skin irritation and the symptoms of methanol poisoning may take up to 72 hours to show up.

One of the biggest concerns is child safety. Children could accidentally ingest these products resulting in severe side effects. Whether the products are absorbed through or consumed, the side effects may include:

• Death
• Coma
• Headache
• Seizures
• Partial or total vision loss
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Vomiting
• Nervous system damage

Currently, the FDA has not received reports of serious side effects, injuries, or deaths caused by these hand sanitizers. The FDA asks consumers to stop using these products and dispose of the products, preferably in hazardous waste containers, if possible.

If you or a loved one have used or consumed a methanol hand sanitizer, the FDA recommends that you or your loved one seek immediate medical attention.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by one of these products, contact Parker Waichman LLP by calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529), by live chat, or by filling out our online form to get a free consultation.

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