ALEXANDRIA, VA – On June 9, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disseminated a warning declaring certain hand sanitizer brands unsafe. Some brands include the ingredient methanol, which is toxic.
The FDA has provided a list of brands found to be unsafe. All of the brands originate from Mexico. The full list can be seen HERE, along with the full news release.
The sanitizers listed should be discarded immediately. People exposed to methanol should seek medical attention right away.
The chemical can produce many side effects including vision loss, headache, and vomiting. Poisoning can result in death.
Methanol is not useful in any way in hand sanitizers. An investigation is ongoing, and the FDA will provide updated information when it is complete.
To help guard against the coronavirus, the FDA recommends these known safe practices: washing with soap and water or using sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol. They advise cleaning hands after coughing, sneezing, and before eating.
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