At least 75 hand sanitizer brands, many carried by national retailers, may contain dangerous levels of methanol, the Food and Drug Administration warned on Friday.
Why it matters: High exposure to methanol, also called wood alcohol, when absorbed in the skin or ingested can lead to blindness, hospitalization and sometimes death, the agency said.
The big picture: Demand for hand sanitizer has increased throughout the coronavirus outbreak, as Americans are recommended to disinfect their hands frequently.
- The products, manufactured by several companies, are all made in Mexico and have been carried by major retailers like Walmart, Costco and BJ's Wholesale Club.
- The FDA as been flagging various brands since June including several Blumen products.
