Hand sanitizers are a huge deal during the COVID era, and even before the pandemic, they have always been a big deal. Especially during cold and flu season. You always wanted to keep a portable bottle of hand sanitizer when you are out and about to keep yourself protected from germs. And this is even more of an essential thing to do during the pandemic.
That is exactly why you cannot find hand sanitizer in supermarkets or drugstores easily. They often become sold out on Amazon as well for that reason. Everyone is after them while the pandemic is happening. However, there is one thing about hand sanitizers during this stressful time that is easily forgotten about. That is whether or not the hand sanitizers are safe.
Unfortunately, there are many hand sanitizers that are questionable and some of them have been deemed to be unsafe. The reason that they are unsafe because they contain methanol, which is wood alcohol.
Which Of The 9 Hand Sanitizers Are Unsafe?
The following 9 hand sanitizers contain at least 81 percent methanol:
- 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)
Why is it a big deal if these hand sanitizers contain so much methanol? Because whether or not you ingest it, inhale the fumes, or it seeps into your skin, you are at risk for ending up with methanol poisoning.
What Are The Symptoms Of Methanol Poisoning?
If you have used any of the above hand sanitizers and did not become ill, then you were fortunate and not everyone will get sick if they use it. However, there is a risk of methanol poisoning if you use any of the hand sanitizers listed above. The symptoms are:
- Blindness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Dermatitis
- Visual disturbances
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle weakness
If you have had any of these symptoms even if they were mild after using any of these hand sanitizers listed above – then you did have a mild case of methanol poisoning. However, if you are severely affected, then you will experience the more serious symptoms of methanol poisoning such as blindness, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, and eventually, in the most severe cases, it can cause coma and death.
The ones who are at the most risk of developing severe methanol poisoning symptoms are children or those who are vulnerable. If you have children or if you happen to be vulnerable in any way with your health, you definitely no longer want to use these hand sanitizers.
Even if your health is not affected by methanol, it is also highly flammable which is another reason you want to stop using it. If you have any of these hand sanitizers, then you want to dispose of them safely which is by not flushing them down the toilet or dumping them into the sink drain. The way you can safely dispose of them is by getting rid of them safely in containers for hazardous waste – because that is what it is.
What Type Of Hand Sanitizer Is Safe To Use?
Hand sanitizers that contain methanol are not safe to use as that is not an acceptable ingredient. Those that contain at least 60 percent ethanol or ethyl alcohol. That is the safest ingredient that effectively kills germs. Therefore, when you go shopping for hand sanitizer, if you are fortunate to find it, then you want to make sure that it contains no methanol and contains at least 60 percent ethanol instead.
You want to stay safe from COVID and you also want to stay safe by choosing the best hand sanitizer as well!
