75 Hand Sanitizer Variants From Different Brands Recalled After Methanol Contamination
The Food and Drug Administration recently recalled Seventy-five hand sanitizers because of the 'methanol contamination', which could be poisonous when absorbed by the skin.
Along with face shields and sanitizing wipes, alcohol-based sanitizing gels are among the most frequently bought items as COVID-19 fears have sparked panic buying leaving many supermarkets with empty shelves.
But be warned, not all hand sanitizers are worth the purchase. The Food and Drug Administration recently recalled seventy-five hand sanitizer variants because of methanol contamination, which could be poisonous when absorbed by the skin. And if swallowed, it could result in blindness, permanent neurological impairment, and even death.
According to the FDA, considerable exposure to methanol could lead to nausea, headache, vomiting, blurred vision, seizures, coma, permanent blindness, and permanent impairment to the nervous system, or fatality.
The department warned that young children who have ingested these products accidentally, as well as adults and adolescents who drink the products as an alternative to ethanol, are said to be at high risk.
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Rapid Growth
Researchers projected the yearly growth rate to be 20 percent in terms of sales of hand sanitizers in the United States from 2019 until 2025. This is considering the swift rise projected in the next couple of years from the global pandemic.
Incidentally, the U.S. is the largest market when it comes to global hygiene projects, reports indicated.
Sales of hand sanitizers rose by 73 percent in March because of COVID-19, and based on research conducted in April this year, about 77 percent of the U.S. population is using hand sanitizers.
FDA's Advice to Discontinue Use of Eskbiochem Hand Sanitizers
In end-June, the FDA alerted consumers of the voluntary recall of UVt Inc. and Aniderm Products of Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer.
Specifically, following such alert, the two distributors mentioned both agreed to recall their Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer packed in plastic bottles, one liter each, and had "Made in Mexico" and "Produced by: Eskbiochem SA de CV" labels in them.
Over the weekend, the FDA has updated its list of 75 hand sanitizer variants to avoid because of its methanol content.
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Increase in Hand Sanitizers
According to the FDA, they also saw a sharp increase in hand sanitizers labeled to have ethanol content or ethyl alcohol. However, according to reports, such products have tested positive for methanol contamination.
Essentially, methanol is famous for industrial use as a pesticide, solvent, and substitute source of fuel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explained.
Additionally, the CDC also elaborated, Washing with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds is the ideal way of cleaning the hands.
However, the agency added, when hand-washing is not an option, it recommends the use of the alcohol-based hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60 percent.
To know which products or companies the FDA has advised to stay away from, visit this page from the FDA.
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