The Food and Drug Administration has expanded its list of hazardous hand sanitizers with methanol contamination this week to over 75. Methanol also known as wood alcohol can be extremely dangerous if absorbed through the skin or ingested.
"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," the FDA has said.
Although some of these products have been recalled for weeks, some are still lurking on store shelves.
The FDA reminds consumers to 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 (also referred to as ethyl alcohol).