Serious Adverse Health Events, Including Death, Associated with Ingesting Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Containing...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Toxicology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) are crucial for hand hygiene, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Recommendations specify ABHS containing at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol.
• Methanol is a toxic ingredient not approved for use in ABHS by the FDA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cases of methanol poisoning linked to the ingestion of ABHS.
• To characterize the clinical presentation and outcomes of methanol poisoning from ABHS ingestion.
• To inform public health responses and clinical guidance regarding ABHS safety.

Main Methods:

• A case definition for ABHS-associated methanol poisoning was established.
• Poison center call records (n=62) from May 1 to June 30, 2020, were reviewed.
• Medical records were abstracted for detailed case information.

Main Results:

• 15 adult patients met the case definition after ingesting ABHS.
• Four deaths and three cases of permanent vision impairment were reported.
• Methanol poisoning symptoms include metabolic acidosis, seizures, and blindness, potentially fatal if untreated.

Conclusions:

• Ingestion of ABHS containing methanol poses a significant public health risk.
• Clinicians must maintain a high suspicion for methanol poisoning in relevant cases.
• Public awareness and adherence to FDA guidance are critical for preventing methanol poisoning.