More hand sanitizers are being recalled by the FDA

The FDA has recalled more hand sanitizers, in addition to those previously pulled from shelves, as they may pose risks to health.

Americans are being advised to stop using these 77 sanitizers which may contain methanol, or wood alcohol, a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested, the FDA said in an advisory.

“Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death,” says the recall warning.

• See also: 
  • FDA warns against using these nine hand sanitizers
  • Washington State passes 50,000 coronavirus cases
  • Seattle Public Schools recommends courses be held online in September

Those who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol and are experiencing symptoms should seek immediate treatment for the potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning.

“Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk for methanol poisoning, young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk,” stated the FDA in an update.

The FDA advises people to stop using the hand sanitizers immediately and to dispose of them in hazardous waste containers. These products should not be poured down the drain.