Methanol Poisoning Can Lead to Blindness

Warning: methanol can be toxic to humans when ingested, inhaled, and absorbed through the skin. During a global pandemic that involves a potentially deadly virus, it's vital to wash or sanitize your hands regularly. Safe and effective hand sanitizers contain 60 percent or more of isopropyl alcohol.

Unfortunately, a company is making hand sanitizers with methanol. The Mexico-based Eskbiochem SA de CV sells nine types of sanitizers containing methanol that are harmful to unsuspecting users. Toxic levels of methanol can cause blindness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory to consumers to avoid methanol-based hand sanitizers.

"Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers," the FDA wrote. With use of hand sanitizers at a high amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency advised that anyone who has used the methanol-containing products "seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning."

Please contact SDCB if you are living with vision loss or blindness. We offer several programs that can improve your life quality.

Toxic methanol that causes blindness found in hand sanitizers, FDA warns