How toxic is methanol in hand sanitizer?

Agency officials said the hand sanitizers contained as much as 81 percent toxic methanol, also known as wood alcohol. The chemical can cause blindness and death if ingested. “Methanol can dehydrate the skin, causing dry skin, and can result in dermatitis to the affected region.

What happens if methanol is absorbed through skin?

Inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption of methanol can cause significant disturbances in vision, including blindness. Skin: Causes moderate skin irritation. Harmful if absorbed through the skin. Prolonged and/or repeated contact may cause defatting of the skin and dermatitis.

Which sanitizers are toxic?

Methanol and 1-Propanol Are Toxic Only ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol (also known as 2-propanol) are acceptable alcohols in hand sanitizer. Other types of alcohol, including methanol and 1-propanol, are not acceptable in hand sanitizer because they can be toxic to humans.

Is methanol safe to use on skin?

Methanol (or wood alcohol) is not an acceptable active ingredient. Repeated use of methanol-containing hand sanitizer on the skin may result in methanol poisoning. However, the highest risk is to people who swallow the products.

What are the side effects of methanol?

Ingestion of methanol may cause a wide range of adverse health effects: Neurological: headache, dizziness, agitation, acute mania, amnesia, decreased level of consciousness including coma, and seizure.

What do you do if you use hand sanitizer with methanol?

Consumers who have products on the list of hand sanitizers with potential methanol or 1-propanol contamination should immediately stop using the product and dispose of it, ideally in a hazardous waste container. Do not pour these products down the drain or flush them.

What ingredients should I avoid in hand sanitizer?

Top Ingredients To Avoid For A Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer

• Triclosan.
• Fragrance and Phthalates.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
• Parabens.
• Alcohol.