Due to COVID-19, hand sanitizer has become an essential item for many Americans. Using it is a quick and easy way to kill germs after touching surfaces or being in public places.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently advised consumers to avoid or stop using all hand sanitizers manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico, as they may contain methanol. On June 17, 2020, the FDA contacted the manufacturer to tell them to remove these products from the market.

Potentially dangerous hand sanitizers include:

  • All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
  • Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
  • Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
  • The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
  • CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
  • Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)

Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, can be absorbed through the skin and cause harmful health effects. Symptoms of exposure or systemic absorption include nausea, vomiting, headache, blurry vision, blindness, seizures, coma, and even death.

Although people who use these hand sanitizers externally are at risk of health problems, people who ingest them are at highest risk. If you own any of these hand sanitizers, the FDA recommends disposing of them and instead using alcohol-based hand sanitizers and continuing to wash your hands frequently.

At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, we’re all too familiar with products that are supposed to help turning out to be harmful. If you or someone you love was harmed by defective hand sanitizer or any other product, we want to hear from you. Contact our defective product lawyers today for a free consultation.