Amid the coronavirus, the CDC has been advising people to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer. But, the FDA is now warning people to avoid nine hand sanitizer brands because of a chemical that can be fatal.
What We Know:
- FDA has warned people to steer clear of nine hand sanitizer brands that were made in Mexico because they contain methanol, which can be toxic when ingested or applied on the skin. Methanol was discovered when the FDA tested samples of two of the products (Lavar Gel and CleanCare NoGerm).
- On their website, the FDA listed the nine hand sanitizers that should be avoided, which are: All-Clean Hand Sanitizer, Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer, CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol, CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol, Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer, The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer, and Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer.
- According to the CDC website, if methanol was ever ingested, a range of issues could occur, including headache, dizziness, blurred vision, kidney failure, coma, and possibly death. The FDA urges those who have come into contact with any hand sanitizer containing methanol to seek immediate help.
- The FDA did contact Esk Biochem and recommended that they remove their hand sanitizer products from stores but the company has not taken any action. In the meantime, the FDA encourages those who do have the product to stop using them and to dispose of the content in an appropriate hazardous waste container and to not dispose of them down the drain or in the toilet.
- The recommended hand sanitizer to use would be ones that are made from at least 60% ethanol.
During the coronavirus, it is highly advised for those to continue to wash their hands to avoid catching any infections. And if any soap is not available, hand sanitizer is great to use.
