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FDA Warns Against These Hand Sanitizers Containing Perilous Chemicals
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You rely on hand sanitizer to keep germs at bay, especially when soap and water aren’t readily available. But the Food and Drug Governance (FDA) is sounding the alarm about several hand sanitizers that contain dangerous chemicals,potentially posing serious health risks. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.
The FDA’s Recent Warnings: A Growing Concern
The FDA has been consistently issuing warnings about hand sanitizers, particularly those manufactured by companies that cut corners during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet surging demand. These sanitizers often contain methanol (wood alcohol) or 1-propanol, both of which are toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.
The FDA isn’t just identifying individual products; they’re actively working to prevent these dangerous sanitizers from entering the U.S. market. However, many have already been distributed and are potentially still available for purchase online or in stores.The agency urges consumers to check their hand sanitizers against the list of recalled or warned-against products.
Which Hand Sanitizers Should You Avoid?
The FDA has identified numerous hand sanitizers to avoid. Here are some of the brands that have been flagged (as of late 2023/early 2024 – always check the FDA website for the most up-to-date list):
Dermasarra: Several lots of Dermasarra hand sanitizers have been recalled due to the presence of methanol.
Perigiene: The FDA has warned against certain Perigiene hand sanitizers containing methanol. Kleenfoam: Specific lots of Kleenfoam hand sanitizers have been identified as containing methanol.
Critically important: This is not an exhaustive list. The FDA regularly updates its warnings. You can find the most current information, including specific lot numbers and product details, on the FDA’s website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/consumer-safety-alerts/hand-sanitizers-containing-methanol-or-1-propanol-list-products-recall
Why Are These Chemicals Dangerous?
Methanol and 1-propanol are industrial chemicals not intended for human consumption or use on the skin.
Methanol: Even small amounts of methanol can be toxic. Symptoms of methanol exposure can include nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, and in severe cases, blindness, coma, and even death. Children are particularly vulnerable to methanol poisoning.
1-Propanol: While less toxic than methanol, 1-propanol can still cause central nervous system depression, dizziness, and other adverse effects.These chemicals are being found in hand sanitizers because unscrupulous manufacturers are using them as a cheaper alternative to ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or isopropyl alcohol,the safe and effective alcohols recommended by the FDA and CDC.
What Should You Do If You Have These Hand Sanitizers?
if you have any of the hand sanitizers listed on the FDA’s warning list, stop using them immediately.
Here’s what to do:
Dispose of the product safely: follow your local guidelines for hazardous waste disposal. Do not simply pour it down the drain.
Contact your healthcare provider: If you or someone you know has been exposed to these hand sanitizers and is experiencing any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Report it to the FDA: You can report any adverse events or suspected counterfeit products to the FDA’s MedWatch program: https://www.fda.gov/safety/report-serious-side-effects
How to Choose Safe Hand Sanitizers
Protecting yourself is simple: choose hand sanitizers wisely.Here’s what to look for