The FDA Expands its Hand Sanitizer Do-Not-Use-List

On October 4, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") updated consumers regarding hand sanitizers that should not be used. Specifically, the FDA warned consumers against using artnaturals scent free hand sanitizers labeled with "DIST. By artnaturals Gardena, CA 90248."  The FDA found unacceptable levels of benzene, acetaldehyde, and acetal contaminants in the product.  Because artnaturals has failed to respond to the FDA's attempts to discuss the issue, the FDA urges consumers not to use any artnatural hand sanitizers.

The FDA alert notes, "[b]enzene may cause certain types of cancer in humans. Animal studies show acetaldehyde may cause cancer in humans and may cause serious illness or death. Acetal can irritate the upper respiratory tract, eyes, and skin."  Although "the exact risk from using hand sanitizer containing benzene, acetaldehyde, or acetal is unknown, FDA recommends consumers do not use products contaminated with unacceptable levels of benzene, acetaldehyde, or acetal."

Accordingly, the FDA is urging consumers who own any artnaturals hand sanitizers to stop using them immediately.  Consumers should "not pour these products down the drain or flush them," but should dispose of them in a hazardous waste container. 

Prior Warnings

This is not the first warning about hand sanitizers posed by the FDA.  Previously, the FDA issued warnings about sanitizers containing methonal and 1-propanol.  "Substantial methonal exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death." Hand sanitizers containing 1-propanol can cause skin and eye irritation, and rare cases of allergic skin reactions.  Additionally, 1-propanol can be toxic and life-threatening when ingested. 

The FDA also voiced concern over hand sanitizers that contain low levels of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, the active ingredients in hand sanitizer products. 

What to Avoid

The FDA urges consumers to avoid hand sanitizers that:

• The FDA found to contain methanol, 1-propanol, benzene, acetaldehyde, or acetal or is made in the same facility as other contaminated products
• Are labeled to contain methanol
• Are found to have microbial contamination
• Are being recalled
• Have less than the required amount of ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or benzalkonium chloride
• Are packaged to look like a food or beverage that presents increased risk of accidental ingestion

Find out if your hand sanitizer is on the FDA's Do-Not-Use List.  

If you have recently used artnaturals hand sanitizer, or any other product on the list, we may be able to help.   Contact us today.