Hand sanitizers are one of the most purchased products during the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the spike in demand for the product, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has kept track of companies manufacturing hand sanitizers. In a recent update, the FDA has reported 75 products that contain toxic levels of methanol.
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a toxic form of alcohol used for industrial purposes. 'The agency is aware of adults and children ingesting hand sanitizer products contaminated with methanol that has led to recent adverse events including blindness, hospitalizations, and death,' they announced.
The toxic alcohol is produced by the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. The solvent comes out colorless with an odor similar to ethanol and is a base ingredient for several industrial chemicals.
Methyl alcohol is highly versatile and has been used industrially since 1952 when Mitsubishi Gas Chemical synthesized natural gas into methanol. Now, methanol is used as a liquid fuel and for highly efficient cell batteries. Other uses include solar cells, rechargeable batteries, and engine generators.
Methanol Poisoning
When the FDA began listing down toxic hand sanitizers as companies did product recalls, they said, 'Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic effects.' In June, the New Mexico Department of Health reported three deaths and three in critical condition after methanol poisoning from drinking hand sanitizers.
Those who have been exposed to hand sanitizers with methanol are most likely showing symptoms of poisoning. People experiencing nausea, headache, and blurred vision should seek immediate medical attention.
Severe methanol poisoning could result in permanent damage such as blindness, nervous system impairment, and even death. 'Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk, young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk for methanol poisoning,' the FDA reported.
The FDA's List
Some of the FDA's concerns include products that lack a sufficient amount of isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol. Several hand sanitizers are also being sold with false claims of preventing the spread of coronavirus or have labels saying that they provide 24-hour protection. Even worse, some have labeled products as 'FDA-approved' while no hand sanitizer is approved by the agency.
The FDA is also reminding the public that the best hygienic practice is using soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60% ethanol is recommended of soap and water are unavailable.
Part of the FDA's list includes products by Eskbiochem, Tropicosmeticos SA de CV, Transliquid Technologies, and Soluciones Cosmeticas SA de CV. The entire list can be viewed here. The FDA continues to investigate the production of hand sanitizers and those containing methanol. They said that they have 'seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol but that have tested positive for methanol contamination.'