Methanol, or wood alcohol, should not be present in hand sanitizer in any amount. While testing samples, the FDA found it in two Eskbiochem products; Lavar Gel contained 81% methanol and CleanCare No Germ contained 28% methanol.
As a result, the FDA is urging Eskbiochem to recall all nine of its hand sanitizer products:
All-Clean Hand SanitizerEsk Biochem Hand SanitizerCleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% AlcoholLavar 70 Gel Hand SanitizerThe Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand SanitizerCleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% AlcoholCleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% AlcoholCleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% AlcoholSaniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer
According to the FDA, Eskbiochem has not yet responded.
What Are the Symptoms of Methanol Poisoning?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin exposure to methanol can result in irritation. It can take anywhere from 1 to 72 hours for symptoms of methanol poisoning to present themselves.
Highlighting children, specifically, who may accidentally consume these products, the FDA also warns against more serious side effects related to ingesting methanol. These side effects are also possible through substantial skin exposure:
HeadacheDizzinessNauseaVomitingGastrointestinal issuesBlurred visionPartial or total vision lossNervous system damageSeizuresComaDeath
What Should You Do If You’ve Used These Products?
If you have any of these hand sanitizers, stop using them immediately. Dispose of them in hazardous waste containers when possible.
If you think you’ve been exposed to hand sanitizers with methanol, the FDA says you should seek immediate medical treatment. Skin exposure starts with thoroughly washing and rinsing the area with soap and water, being careful not to break the skin. But your doctor will tell you what to do next.
