Noah Vinter
Hand sanitizers have become a common tool in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. However, they can pose a serious health risk to children if ingested or if they come into contact with the eyes. During the pandemic, there has been a rise in cases of child alcohol poisoning and eye injuries due to exposure to hand sanitizers. In this paragraph, we will explore the dangers of hand sanitizers for children and the steps that can be taken to mitigate these risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of calls made to U.S. poison control centers regarding side effects from eye exposure to hand sanitizers (Jan 1, 2018, to Apr 30, 2021) | 3,642 |
| Number of cases of children with eye exposure to hazardous chemicals in hand sanitizer in France (Apr 1 to Aug 24, 2020) | 63 |
| Number of cases of alcohol poisoning in children under 12 due to alcohol in hand sanitizer (Jan to May 2020) | 9,500+ |
| Number of hospitalizations in Arizona and New Mexico due to methanol poisoning from ingesting hand sanitizer (May and June 2020) | 15 |
| Number of deaths in Arizona and New Mexico due to methanol poisoning from ingesting hand sanitizer (May and June 2020) | 4 |
| Number of deaths in California due to ingesting hand sanitizer containing alcohol (2012) | 6 |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol poisoning from hand sanitizers in children under 12
Hand sanitizer has become an essential tool in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. However, it also poses a risk of alcohol poisoning in children under 12. In this age group, even a small amount of alcohol ingested can cause alcohol poisoning, leading to confusion, vomiting, drowsiness, respiratory arrest, and even death.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing availability and use of hand sanitizers have led to a rise in alcohol poisoning cases among children. In the first five months of 2020, over 9,500 cases of alcohol poisoning were reported in children under 12 due to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. This issue is of great concern, with health agencies emphasizing that alcohol-based hand sanitizers should never be ingested due to their potentially fatal side effects.
The high alcohol content in hand sanitizers, ranging from 60% to 95%, makes them particularly dangerous for children. While hand sanitizers are intended for external use, accidental ingestion by children can occur, leading to poisoning. Additionally, some individuals with alcohol use disorders may intentionally drink hand sanitizers as a substitute for alcohol, which can have severe consequences.
To prevent alcohol poisoning from hand sanitizers in children, it is crucial to keep them out of children's reach and sight. Parents and caregivers should also educate children about the proper use of hand sanitizers, emphasizing that they should never be ingested. In addition, it is recommended to promote hand washing with soap and water as a safer alternative, especially for younger children.
The potential dangers of hand sanitizers highlight the importance of responsible use and storage. By taking preventive measures and raising awareness, we can reduce the risk of alcohol poisoning in children associated with the use of hand sanitizers.
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Hand sanitizer eye injuries in children
Hand sanitizer dispensers have become increasingly common in public spaces due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, this has led to a rise in hand sanitizer-induced eye injuries in children. A study published in the January 2021 issue of JAMA Ophthalmology found a link between the increasing use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and eye injuries among children.
The height of the dispensers is a significant factor. In France, researchers found that the number of cases among children with eye exposure to hazardous chemicals in hand sanitizer increased sevenfold between April 1 and August 24, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. This increase is attributed to the typical height of hand gel dispensers, which are usually about 3 feet high—waist level for adults but eye level for young children. As a result, hand gel can easily squirt directly into a child's eyes, or children may touch or rub their eyes before the sanitizer has dried.
The contents of hand sanitizers can be toxic to the eyes. Hand sanitizers often consist mainly of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which are toxic to delicate structures like the eyes. Exposure to these substances can lead to serious conditions such as keratitis, corneal lesions, and even blindness due to corneal ulcers.
To prevent hand sanitizer-induced eye injuries in children, public awareness campaigns are necessary to inform parents about the potential dangers of alcohol-based hand gels. Parents should be advised to keep their children away from public hand sanitizer dispensers and to promote hand washing with soap and water instead of hand gels. If a child does get hand sanitizer in their eyes, it is crucial to irrigate the eye with fresh clean water immediately and seek medical attention.
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Hand sanitizer poisoning and deaths in the US
Hand sanitizer has become an increasingly common tool in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. However, the product poses a poisoning risk, especially to children.
Hand sanitizer is a useful tool for killing bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19. However, it is also a source of poison when ingested. The product typically contains alcohol at a concentration of 60-95%, and even a small amount can cause alcohol poisoning in children. This can lead to confusion, vomiting, drowsiness, and, in severe cases, respiratory arrest and death. In the first five months of 2020, over 9,500 cases of alcohol poisoning were reported in children under 12 due to alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Hand sanitizer poisoning has also affected adults, especially those with alcohol addiction. In May and June of 2020, 15 people were hospitalized in Arizona and New Mexico for methanol poisoning after ingesting hand sanitizer. Four of these individuals died. In 2012, six teenagers died in California after drinking hand sanitizer that contained alcohol.
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in sales of hand sanitizer, with dispensers and stations popping up in public spaces such as schools, grocery stores, and offices. This has led to an increase in eye injuries among children, as the dispensers are typically at eye level for young children. When children use the dispensers, the hand gel may inadvertently get into their eyes, causing chemical injuries. Cases among children with eye exposure to hazardous chemicals in hand sanitizer increased seven-fold between April 1 and August 24, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.
To prevent hand sanitizer poisoning, health agencies advise that alcohol-based hand sanitizers should never be ingested. Parents are advised to keep their children away from public hand sanitizer dispensers and to use caution when allowing their children to use gel-based sanitizers. Young children should never be allowed to access a hand sanitizing dispenser in a public area. Washing hands with soap and water is still considered the gold standard of hygiene and safety, particularly for children under 12.
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Methanol poisoning from hand sanitizer consumption
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased use of hand sanitizers, with many companies rushing to manufacture and distribute sanitizing products. However, some of these products contain harmful ingredients, such as methanol, which can be toxic when ingested or absorbed through the skin.
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a toxic alcohol that should not be used in hand sanitizers. It is often used in the production of fuel and antifreeze. Due to its cheap cost and similarity to ethanol, it is sometimes added to alcoholic beverages and hand sanitizers to increase profit margins. This practice is particularly common in countries with lax regulations or those reliant on the black market for alcohol.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about various hand sanitizer products due to contamination with methanol. The FDA has also released a “do-not-use” list of hand sanitizers that may contain harmful ingredients. As of August 2020, the FDA implemented temporary hand sanitizer testing guidelines, requiring manufacturers to test each lot of the active ingredient for harmful methanol.
Methanol poisoning can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, seizures, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness, and can even lead to death. It is a "big imitator," often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as asthma, heart problems, sepsis, or diabetic ketoacidosis. Survivors of methanol poisoning may suffer from permanent side effects, including loss of sight.
To prevent methanol poisoning, it is crucial to never swallow hand sanitizer, as it is toxic when ingested. Children may unintentionally swallow hand sanitizer, while some adults may intentionally consume it, as seen in Iran during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also important to store hand sanitizers out of the reach and sight of children.
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Alcohol addiction and hand sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have become increasingly prevalent due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While they are effective at killing germs, they can pose a serious health risk if ingested. The alcohol in hand sanitizer is not safe for human consumption and can cause alcohol poisoning, especially in children. The most common side effects of ingestion include nausea, vomiting, confusion, and fainting. More severe cases can result in blindness or even death.
Hand sanitizer addiction is a growing concern, particularly for those in recovery from alcohol use disorders. The easy availability of hand sanitizer and the high alcohol content can make it a trigger for relapse. Research shows that people with alcohol dependence are more susceptible to triggers and, therefore, more prone to relapse. The smell of alcohol in hand sanitizer can be a trigger for some individuals, leading them to ingest the sanitizer or sniff the vapors.
The Poison Control Center reports thousands of cases of intentional ingestion of hand sanitizer each year, with some cases resulting in hospitalization. Calls to poison control centers and emergency rooms involving the ingestion of hand sanitizer continue to rise, with some cases due to accidental ingestion but many resulting from attempts to get drunk. The risk of hand sanitizer ingestion is higher in certain places, such as mental health facilities, correctional facilities, and substance abuse recovery centers.
Treatment for hand sanitizer addiction involves addressing the underlying causes of addiction and developing skills to maintain sobriety. Detoxification is often the first step, but it is important to follow up with therapy or rehabilitation to prevent relapse and develop long-term coping strategies.
To prevent accidental ingestion, it is important to keep hand sanitizers out of the reach of children and to educate them on the proper use and dangers of ingesting hand sanitizer. It is also recommended to use hand sanitizer in well-ventilated areas and to avoid getting it in the eyes, as this can cause serious injury.
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Frequently asked questions
In the first five months of 2020, over 9,500 cases of alcohol poisoning were reported in children under the age of 12 due to alcohol in hand sanitizers.
Hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning in children, with symptoms including confusion, vomiting, drowsiness, and, in severe cases, respiratory arrest and death. Additionally, hand sanitizers can cause eye injuries in children, as the dispensers are often at eye level for young children.
It is important to keep children away from hand sanitizer dispensers when out in public and to teach them how to use hand sanitizers safely. Parents should ensure that children rub the sanitizer over both sides of their hands until it is completely dry and should be cautious when allowing their children to use gel-based sanitizers.
