FDA warns these 9 hand sanitizers could be toxic

The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use nine different types of hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem due to the potential presence of methanol, which "can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested."

The FDA notice identifies the following products: the All-Clean Hand Sanitizer, Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer, CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol, Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer, The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer, CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol, CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol, CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol, and Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer.

The FDA advises anyone who has been exposed to hand sanitizer with methanol to immediately seek treatment. Do not flush or pour these products down the drain, instead disposing of them in hazardous waste containers.

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While testing samples of the products, the FDA found some did not contain ethyl alcohol, the usual ingredient, but rather various proportions of methanol, The Guardian reports. "Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers, and should not be used due to its toxic effects," the FDA said. Substantial exposure can lead to nausea, vomiting, seizures, permanent blindness, and even death.