FDA warns against hand sanitizers containing methanol

The FDA is now warning consumers about an increase in hand sanitizer products that are mislabeled and potentially life-threatening.

News 12 Staff

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Jul 7, 2020, 9:39 PM

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Updated 1,637 days ago

FDA warns against hand sanitizers containing methanol

The FDA is now warning consumers about an increase in hand sanitizer products that are mislabeled and potentially life-threatening.

Hand sanitizer is supposed to contain ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, but testing shows that some contain methanol, which is a wood alcohol.

MORE: FDA: Hand sanitizer tainted with methanol may still be in stores

Dr. Andrew Patane, with NYU Langone in Huntington, says methanol is “very toxic when absorbed through the skin” or if it becomes ingested.

MORE: FDA Updates on Hand Sanitzers with Methanol

Even used in small amounts, the absorption of methanol through the skin can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures or blindness.

Among those that the FDA is urging people to stay away from are AAA Cosmetica, Eskbiochem and Transliquid Technologies.

Experts from both the CDC and the FDA say washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is still the best option. If that isn’t an option, look for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol or ethyl alcohol.