Updated: 94 Hand Sanitizers Now Listed as Toxic

Effective coronavirus hand sanitizers must contain a minimum of 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol. However, some brands utilize methanol, a hazardous alcohol variant, prompting the FDA to issue warnings against their use.

Initially reported in late June, the FDA’s list included nine methanol-based sanitizer brands, all manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico:

• All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)

• Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)

• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)

• Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)

• The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)

• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)

• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)

• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)

• Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)

For additional sanitizing tips, watch the video below:

The list has since grown to include 94 different products. While these products typically list ethanol as an ingredient, they have been found to contain methanol. The FDA warns, “The agency is aware of cases where adults and children have consumed methanol-contaminated hand sanitizers, resulting in severe adverse effects such as blindness, hospitalizations, and even fatalities.”

We are closely monitoring updates. As of July 14, new additions to the list include sanitizers under the following brand or label names (refer to the list for specific products and their NDC numbers), such as:

• Blumen

• Klar and Danver

• Modesa

• The Honeykeeper

• Hello Kitty by Sanrio

• Assured

• bio aaa

• LumiSkin

• QualitaMed

• Earths Amenities

• Agavespa

• Vidanos

• All-Clean

• Andy’s

• Gelclor

• NeoNatural

• Plus Advanced

• Optimus

• Shine and Clean

• Selecto

• Mystic Shield

• Bersih

• Wet Look Janitorial and Gardening Corp.

• Britz

• DAESI

In a recent update, the FDA included additional products, some from brands already on the list and others from new brands. Below are some examples. This is not a complete list, and some products have similar names, so consult the FDA list for detailed information:

• Optimus

• Herbacil

• NEXT

• Clear Advanced

• NuuxSan

• Jaloma

• Leiper’s Fork Distillery

If you possess any of the hand sanitizers on the list, refrain from using them. The FDA advises against pouring them down the drain. Instead, dispose of them in “appropriate hazardous waste containers” or consult your local waste management and recycling centers for guidance. Your trash collection service should be able to provide instructions on proper disposal.

Frequent or excessive use of these sanitizers on your skin may lead to methanol poisoning, but ingestion poses a greater risk. This includes children accidentally consuming the product or teens and adults ingesting it, mistakenly believing it contains ethanol (while regular hand sanitizer can induce intoxication, attempting this is extremely dangerous).

According to the FDA, symptoms of methanol poisoning include “nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent nervous system damage, or death.” If you’ve used one of these brands and experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

If you’ve used the sanitizer but are unsure whether to be concerned, contact the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or visit their website for assistance.