As many of us begin to go back into the office we are requiring more cleaning stations and hand sanitizer stations. We wanted to share an advisory that came across our desks from The Operational Services Division for The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
We thought that sharing this information can help prevent exposure to a potential health risk associated with the use of certain hand sanitizers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory to consumers regarding hand sanitizers manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico. This is due to the potential presence of methanol, a substance that may be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested into your body. Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and it should not be used since it can have toxic effects.
The FDA advised not to use any of the following products manufactured by Eskbiochem:
| · All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01) | |||
| · CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04) | |||
| · CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01) | |||
| · CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01) | |||
| · CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03) | |||
| · Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01) | |||
| · Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01) | |||
| · Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01) | |||
| · The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10) | |||
As of today, The FDA is not aware of any reports of adverse events associated with these hand sanitizer products. Samples of these products that were tested by the FDA indicated the presence of methanol ranged from 81% to 28% and the Lavar gel contained no ethyl alcohol.
Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning. Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system, or death.
Although everyone using these products are at risk, young children who accidentally ingest these products, and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk for methanol poisoning.
FDA reminds consumers to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, 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.
If you are getting back to the office and need a written plan or risk assessment complete for covid-19 please give us a ring @ 508-525-5711 or visit our website at www.eastshoresafety.com