Whether you’re trying to avoid COVID-19 or reduce your risks of getting sick in general, using hand sanitizer is a great way to kill bacteria and germs when washing your hands in a sink isn’t possible or practical. But recently, the FDA released a serious warning about the safety of certain hand sanitizers that contain methanol.
Typically, hand sanitizers work by using ethanol, or ethyl alcohol. This substance kills germs without putting users at risk. However, some hand sanitizer manufacturers are using methanol, or wood alcohol, in their products without labeling it. Methanol is highly toxic and should be avoided at all costs, whether its via skin exposure or accidental and intentional consumption.
Side effects of methanol exposure can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Permanent blindness
- Seizure
- Coma
- Nerve damage
- Death
People who use hand sanitizers that contain methanol are at risk even if they are only exposed topically. However, people who ingest these products, including small children and people who drink them as alcohol substitutes, are at extreme risk of serious complications.
Many of the affected hand sanitizers were manufactured in Mexico under various names and by various companies. A full list can be found on the FDA’s website. New hand sanitizers are being added to the list frequently. When purchasing hand sanitizer, only buy products from trusted brands and trusted stores.
If you or someone you love was harmed by a defective and dangerous product, the Virginia defective product lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
