With increased use of hand sanitizer (and the rush to meet consumer demand) comes an influx of hand sanitizer-linked poison cases. While hand sanitizer typically contains ethanol, some sanitizers have tested positive for methanol (wood alcohol). Wood alcohol is toxic if ingested or absorbed, and there have been several reported deaths and cases of blindness. The FDA has compiled a list of recalled hand sanitizers.
Business Takeaway: While handwashing is still preferred to hand sanitizing, it is still recommended that businesses make hand sanitizer available to employees and guests. Check your hand sanitizer to be sure it is safe (and not recalled).
