It is more important now than ever to make sure that you and your hands are staying clean, however, there are a few hand sanitizers on the market that may be doing more harm than good. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against using hand sanitizers that contain methanol. The FDA said that methanol (wood alcohol), can actually be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.
A Mexican company called, Eskbiochem has created several hand sanitizers with the toxic ingredient. The brands to avoid are listed below. If you've been using any of them,STOP immediately and see a doctor.
Here are the brand names you should avoid:
- 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)
According to the FDA, consumers should "wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one’s nose. If soap and water are not readily available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent ethanol."