Here's the Full FDA List of Hand Sanitizers to Avoid

Publish date: 2024-02-01

The Food and Drug Administration has now identified 76 types of hand sanitizer that may contain methanol, which can be toxic when applied to the skin or ingested.

In mid June, the FDA first listed nine different hand sanitizer products all from the Mexican manufacturer Eskbiochem SA de CV that should not be used under any circumstances. Throughout July, the administration has continued to release the names of hand sanitizers to avoid, bringing the total number of entries to 76.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, methanol can be absorbed in the body via inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or eye contact. If ingested, it can cause a range of issues, including headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, kidney failure, coma, and death.

The FDA urges any consumers that have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol to seek treatment immediately. They also recommend consumers immediately stop using the toxic hand sanitizer products and dispose of them in appropriate hazardous waste containers. Consumers should not flush or pour the products down the drain.

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If you feel you are having an adverse reaction to hand sanitizer containing methanol, you can contact your local Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222, the American Association of Poison Control Centers said in a release.

"There have been historical outbreaks of poisoning both from ingesting methanol but most importantly from topical administration of substances containing methanol. This is especially concerning for children as they have a much higher surface area to weight ratio and are more likely to become sick from a topically applied poison than adults," the release said.

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While the list may appear to have duplicates, sanitizers with the same name may have different NDC (National Drug Code) numbers. Consumers can look up a sanitizer by its NDC number on the FDA website.

Here are the hand sanitizers to avoid:

Amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, health experts, including the CDC, have recommended washing hands with soap and water as the best way to avoid infection.

If soap and water are unavailable, the CDC has recommended using a hand sanitizer that’s made from at least 60 percent alcohol.

If done correctly, experts estimate that sanitizing your hands can reduce the rate of infection by respiratory illness infection by 16 to 21 percent.

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