Avoid Certain Hand Sanitizers Due to Methanol Risk

According to USA Today, "the Food and Drug Administration has expanded the number of hand sanitizers to avoid because they may contain methanol, a toxic substance when absorbed through skin or ingested."

Other than using hand sanitizer, I've always been advised to wash my hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water because that is the best way to clean your hands.

When it comes to hand sanitizer, my wife and I have some in both cars, at work, and even in our home. So now they're telling us to avoid certain hand sanitizers that may contain methanol.

"Hand sanitizer has been a popular product to combat the coronavirus since February, and many new types have entered the market after shortages of brands including Purcil." (USA today)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Methanol is used for several things including: solvent, pesticide and alternative fuel source.

Exposure to Methanol can cause blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, and even permanent damage to the nervous system and death.

As if we don't have enough to worry about these days, the FDA now list on a chart 59 varieties of hand sanitizer that should be avoided.

Some have already been recalled, and other products being recommended for recalls as they may contain the potentially fatal ingredient.

"The FDA says it has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol, but have tested positive for methanol contamination." (USA Today)

The Food and Drug Administration also made it clear that Methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects.

I guess we should all take a look at the ingredients in the hand sanitizer that we purchase at the store and pay close attention to make sure we choose hand sanitizer that is considered safe to use.