The FDA has called out a total of 59 hand sanitizer products so far, each labeled to contain ethyl alcohol, referred to as ethanol, but they actually tested positive for methanol, otherwise known as wood alcohol. According to the agency, methanol can be toxic when absorbed through the skin. And if ingested, it can be life-threatening.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb “Methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects,” the FDA said in a statement. “FDA’s investigation of methanol in certain hand sanitizers is ongoing. The agency will provide additional information as it becomes available.” If you have been exposed to hand sanitizer with methanol, the FDA recommends that you seek immediate treatment, as exposure can result in “nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system, or death.” RELATED: For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter. The FDA says they are “aware” of several adults and children who have ingested hand sanitizer with methanol, which has led to “recent adverse effects including blindness, hospitalizations, and death.” And for more hand sanitizer information to know, check out 6 Subtle Signs You Need to Replace Your Hand Sanitizer.
