The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to avoid nine brands of potentially toxic hand sanitizers. According to the report, the antibacterial gels and lotions in question may contain methanol, which can be lethal if absorbed through the skin.
The FDA specifically calls out products by Mexico-based manufacturer Eskbiochem SA de CV, asking them to pull these “potentially dangerous products” from the US market. Tests revealed that one of its sanitizers, Lavar Gel, contained 81% methanol. Also, CleanCare No Germ, showed a methanol content of 28%. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness and seizures, and could lead to coma, damage to the nervous system and death, according to the FDA.
The FDA says If you have any of these products you should dispose of them immediately in hazardous waste containers. “Do not flush or pour these products down the drain". The FDA notes that they are not aware of any methanol exposure reports, but stress that time is critical if someone does appear to be suffering from methanol toxicity.
The FDA listed these products in their report:
All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
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