Hand Sanitizers Recalled After Dangerous Levels of Methanol Discovered

 Posted on July 08, 2020 in Defective Products

If you are like most people, you have probably used more hand sanitizer in the last few months than you ever did previously. When reports about COVID-19 first started making headlines, stores quickly ran out of bleach, soap, hand sanitizer, and other sanitizing products. Now, most people have the supplies they need but there is a new concern that some hand sanitizers contain toxic ingredients. The Food and Drug Administration has released a list of recalled hand sanitizer products that should not be used. It is very possible that concerns about these defective products will lead to product liability claims.

Product Manufacturers May Have Substituted Methanol for Ethanol

Most hand sanitizers contain ethanol or ethyl alcohol which is the active ingredient that kills bacteria and viruses. However, some hand sanitizers are labeled as containing ethanol or ethyl alcohol but actually contain methanol as well. Methanol, also called wood alcohol, can be very dangerous – especially to children. The substance can have significant harmful effects if it is absorbed through the skin and is often fatal if swallowed. Exposure to methanol can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, and damage to the nervous system. In extreme cases, the substance can cause seizures, blindness, and coma. The FDA is worried that these products may be accidentally ingested by children or consumed by adults with addiction problems who are using the product as a substitute for alcohol. If you experience any of the above symptoms after using a product containing methanol, the FDA recommends seeking immediate medical treatment for methanol poisoning.

FDA Warns Consumers to Be Wary of Hand Sanitizers Advertising Unproven Claims

The FDA is also concerned that some hand sanitizer manufacturing companies are making false claims about the effectiveness of their products. The Centers for Disease Control recommends washing with soap and water for 20 seconds to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other germs. If soap and water is not available, the CDC recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent ethyl alcohol. However, many hand sanitizers do not meet this standard. Consumers should also be suspicious of products that claim to offer extended protection from viruses and bacteria or those that are marketed as “FDA-approved.” The company that manufactures Purell hand sanitizer has already been served with a class-action lawsuit due to allegations that the company exaggerated the effectiveness of its products.

Contact a Lake County Product Liability Lawyer

Companies have a legal obligation to ensure that the products they manufacture are reasonably safe for consumers. If you or a loved one have been harmed by a defective product, contact Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. Schedule a free consultation with a skilled Waukegan personal injury attorney by calling our office at 847-662-3303 today.

Sources:

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-methanol

https://www.complex.com/life/2020/03/purell-faces-lawsuit-over-false-misleading-claims-about-product-effectiveness

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/21/gojo-purell-makers-hit-class-action-over-misleading-customers/2890969001/