photo credit depositphotos
Since Coronavirus 2019 disease hit upon US shores, the demand for hand sanitizer products has soared. Hand hygiene is very important in fighting the spread of the new Coronavirus. Washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water is necessary after using the bathroom, before eating, after coughing, sneezing or blowing one's nose. If soap and water are not readily available, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends the use of a alcohol based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Hand hygiene is a term used in healthcare settings however, the principles are the same and should be practiced also by the public.
With this increased order in hand sanitizer products, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a warning for consumers...
"FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested. Consumers should check hand sanitizer products in their home and before purchasing to determine if a product is on this list of hand sanitizers with potential methanol contamination." On 8/12/20, the FDA also issued warnings of 1-propanol contamination in hand sanitizers.
The FDA is maintaining a list of dangerous hand sanitizers not to be used. The list includes products with insufficient percentage levels of ethyl or isopropyl alcohol or products that contain methanol or are at risk of contamination with methanol or 1-propanol. Ethyl and Isopropyl alcohol are the active ingredients in hand sanitizers NOT methanol and NOT 1-propanol. Methanol is toxic and 1-propanol can be life threatening if ingested.
Please review the FDA list and check for updates. The CDC also has information regarding handwashing and how to prevent from getting sick with Covid-19. These are vital and most helpful in this pandemic so please take some time to read their recommendations.
Continue to stay safe everyone. XOXO