The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks ( Cofepris ) warned against the use of nine hand sanitizer brands that contain methanol , a dangerous substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.
Through a statement, the Cofepris announced authorities tested “different brands of hand sanitizer to identify the presence of methanol, which represents a health risk for the population. So far, [the Cofepris] has found that several hand sanitizer brands contain methanol in their formula.”
The nine brands to avoid are:
1. Natcly
2. Tradicional Casa Solar
3. Omega Nalle Clean
4. Nanoölflon
5. Clean 10
6. Naturals Ultra
7. Gel Heal
8. Alcohol Gel Farmacias Nevy
9. Protec Hands
Recommended: Mexican university develops vinegar-based hand sanitizer against COVID-19
Methanol is a poisonous alcohol. When ingested, it causes organ and brain damage and can be fatal, and its symptoms include chest pain, nausea, hyperventilation, blindness, and even coma.
In the last year, Mexico has registered over a hundred deaths due to methanol poisoning . As part of COVID-19 lock-downs, many towns banned liquor sales, and people turned to cheap or illegal liquors.
In June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) issued a warning against a Mexican-made hand sanitizer gel that it said is dangerous because it contains large amounts of methanol.
The FDA said methanol “can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested,” and recommended consumers dispose of nine brands of gel sanitizers made by Mexican company Eskbiochem SA de CV.
The FDA said one of the brands contained 81% methanol and no ethyl alcohol, which is the drinkable kind.
Recommended: Mexican scientists develop powerful disinfectant with long-lasting effects
The FDA said it contacted Eskbiochem “to recommend the company remove its hand sanitizer products from the market due to the risks associated with methanol poisoning,” but the company hadn’t done so.
The brands included All-Clean Hand Sanitizer, CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer, The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer, and CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer.
“Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk,” the FDA said young children who accidentally ingest it or adults who drink it as an ethyl alcohol substitute are also at risk.
gm