Modesa Instant Hand Sanitizer May Contain Methanol

The FDA has updated its list of hand sanitizers to avoid because they may contain methanol, a hazardous chemical that can be absorbed through skin absorption or ingestion. On Tuesday, they added an additional 59 products to this growing number that have been recalled or recommended for recall due to potential exposure to this hazardous chemical.

Methanol, commonly referred to as wood alcohol, can be toxic when absorbed through the skin and may even prove fatal if ingested. According to CNN, symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision and blindness.

Today reported that several methanol-containing hand sanitizers in the US have been linked to multiple deaths and hospitalizations. According to the FDA, some of these contaminated sanitizers were sold at Walmart, Costco and other national stores.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that consumers avoid sanitizers that contain methanol, instead opting for one with at least 60 percent ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. They also suggest washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, or coming into contact with surfaces that could be contaminated.

Some methanol-containing hand sanitizers are ineffective at killing germs, leading to eye and skin irritation. Furthermore, these sanitizers may cause allergic reactions as well.

Many methanol-containing hand sanitizers advertise themselves as “FDA-approved,” yet the FDA cautions that this label does not exist for any product. Therefore, these sanitizers may be falsely advertised and unsafe to use due to potential contamination with hazardous chemicals like benzene.

In addition to methanol-containing hand sanitizers, the FDA is warning about those that contain insufficient levels of alcohol. Test results reveal certain products have “concerningly low” amounts of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of methanol poisoning should seek medical help immediately. Consuming large amounts of the substance can result in brain damage, seizures and death.

The FDA is encouraging consumers to share any adverse experiences they have with hand sanitizers that contain methanol or other potentially toxic ingredients. They can submit their data through the MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

Other hand sanitizers may also be toxic or ineffective, the FDA warns. Some have been recalled or recommended for recalls due to dangerous chemicals like 1-propanol which is absorbed through the skin and depresses the central nervous system, leading to serious health complications.

Methanol is an ingredient commonly found in household cleaners and cosmetics, but it can be especially hazardous when absorbed into the skin or eaten. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people should regularly wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after coughing, sneezing or touching their face or coming into contact with a potentially contaminated surface.

The FDA is urging all methanol-containing hand sanitizers to be recalled and those not recalled to be removed from the market. Furthermore, it urges people to be alert for other potential hazards associated with hand sanitizers and to report any suspicious hand sanitizers or hand-washing products they come across.