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FDA Issues ALERT on Hand Sanitizers From Mexico, Are You Safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has placed all alcohol-based hand sanitizers from Mexico on a nationwide alert to stop the products that may be in violation from entering the country until they can review the products' safety.
The FDA has seen an increase in sanitizer products from Mexico that were labeled to have ethanol but actually tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol or wood alcohol can be TOXIC if absorbed through the skin and can be life-threatening if ingested.
Some of the symptoms or signs of methanol poisoning include blindness or blurred vision, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of coordination, and loss of alertness. If you experience any symptoms of methanol poisoning, contact your poison center or call 1-800-222-1222.
Make sure hand sanitizer is stored out of reach from children and pets. Kids should only use it with adult supervision.
Hand sanitizer should not be used or stored near heat or flames.
Always make sure that hands are completely dry before performing activities that may involve heat, sparks, static electricity, or open flames.
You're advised to choose a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Avoid products that say "FDA Approved" on the label. No sanitizers are FDA approved.
And, regarding tips to make your own hand sanitizer...DON'T.
Still, the FDA doesn’t recommend that consumers make their own hand sanitizer. If made incorrectly, hand sanitizer can be ineffective – or worse. For example, there have been reports of skin burns from homemade hand sanitizer.
Also, adding alcohol to non-alcohol hand sanitizer is unlikely to result in an effective product. And using disinfectant sprays or wipes on your skin may cause skin and eye irritation. Disinfectant sprays and wipes are intended to clean surfaces, not people or animals.
Check your hand sanitizer and stop using it immediately if it's on this list.
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Here are some tips for self-care during the pandemic:
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