The hand sanitizer is being recalled because it may contain methanol (wood alcohol), which can be dangerous when either applied to the skin or ingested. “Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death,” the FDA report states. While even use on hands can be harmful, young children who accidentally ingest the product are most at risk. Fortunately, ITECH 361 has not at the time of writing received any reports of harm from the recalled product. If you own this specific hand sanitizer, the company is asking that you stop using it immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a replacement or refund. You can also reach out to a representative from the company, following the contact info on the FDA site. Anyone who believes they have been exposed to the product should seek immediate medical treatment to reverse the effects of potential methanol poisoning. If this story sounds familiar, ITECH 361 isn’t the only company to issue a recall of its hand sanitizer recently. Back in June, 9 different hand sanitizers from the Mexican manufacturer Eskbiochem SA de CV were recalled, also because of the potential presence of methanol. As many of us keep more hand sanitizer and disinfecting products at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, make sure these chemical products are stored safely, where your kids and pets won’t be able to reach them. And because effective, germ-killing hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol alcohol according to the CDC, it’s a smart idea to supervise your children whenever they apply hand sanitizer.
