As if COVID-19 is not bad enough, now there is news that some hand sanitizers being sold to prevent the virus may be hazardous themselves.
The FDA has issued a warning to consumers not to use hand sanitizers made in Mexico by Eskbiochem SA de CV. The hand sanitizers, which goes by multiple names, may contain methanol, which can be toxic when absorbed through the skin.
The products identified by the FDA are:
The FDA tested samples of Lavar Gel and CleanCare No Germ and found significant amounts of methanol (wood alcohol). Methanol is not an appropriate ingredient in hand sanitizer due to its toxicity.
According to the FDA, significant methanol exposure can result in a variety of health effects, from nausea, headaches, and vomiting, to blurred vision, seizures, permanent blindness, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system and even death. Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer with methanol are advised to seek immediate treatment.
The FDA contacted Eskbiochem on June 17, recommending the company remove the potentially dangerous hand sanitizer from the market. Unfortunately, the company has not yet taken any action and the products are still on the market. Now, the FDA s recommending that consumers stop using these potentially dangerous hand sanitizers and dispose of them in a hazardous waste container.
As of now, the FDA is not aware of any reports of adverse effects associated with the hand sanitizer. However, the agency is asking consumers to report any adverse health effects experienced after using the products to the Medwatch reporting program.
If you have been injured by a product containing toxic chemicals, contact the toxic tort attorneys at The Collins Law Firm at (630) 527-1595 or fill out our contact form for a FREE evaluation of your case.
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