FDA Warns Against Use of Hand Sanitizers Containing Toxic Substance

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against using 9 hand sanitizers that may contain a toxic substance. The FDA is urging people to avoid sanitizers produced by the company Eskbiochem stating they may contain the “potentially fatal ingredient” methanol. The substance is toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. Amounts of methanol were discovered in samples of their Lavar Gel and CleanCare No Germ sanitizers. Exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death. Anyone who believes they may be suffering from any of these symptoms is asked to seek immediate medical treatment. The FDA also asks consumers cease any further use and dispose of the products in “appropriate hazardous waste containers.” Eskbiochem has been asked to remove the products as of June 17th, however the company has not immediately responded.