Hand sanitizer is a common product designed to cleanse hands and reduce germ spread when soap and water are unavailable. It offers a convenient hygiene method. However, it is intended solely for external use. Ingesting this product can lead to severe health consequences due to its chemicals.
Understanding the Toxic Components
Hand sanitizers commonly contain high concentrations of alcohol, primarily ethanol or isopropanol. These alcohols are highly effective at killing microbes, but when swallowed, they act as potent toxins. Their alcohol content, typically 60% to 95%, is significantly higher than most alcoholic beverages. For instance, a 60% ethanol hand sanitizer is comparable in potency to 120-proof liquor.
Beyond primary alcohols, hand sanitizers may include other dangerous additives. Some products contain methanol, a highly toxic substance not approved for hand sanitizers, which can cause severe poisoning, blindness, or death even in small amounts. Denaturants, like denatonium benzoate or butanol, are often added to make the product taste bitter and discourage ingestion, but they do not eliminate poisoning risk. Other additives, like n-propanol, ethyl acetate, or benzene, can also pose health risks upon ingestion.
Recognizing the Health Impacts
Ingesting hand sanitizer can lead to a range of serious health problems, largely due to alcohol poisoning. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, disorientation, and drowsiness. The severity of these effects can escalate to slurred speech, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow or shallow. In more severe cases, individuals may experience seizures or fall into a coma.
The specific alcohol ingested influences symptoms. While isopropanol poisoning shares many symptoms with ethanol, methanol poisoning is particularly grave. Its toxic effects can be delayed (12 to 72 hours after exposure). Methanol can cause severe changes in body chemistry, potentially leading to permanent blindness, nervous system damage, or death. Children are especially vulnerable, as even a small amount can cause alcohol poisoning due to their smaller body size.
Immediate Steps and Medical Attention
If hand sanitizer is ingested, act quickly and calmly. Immediately contact a poison control center or emergency services. In the United States, the Poison Help Line is 1-800-222-1222.
Provide as much information as possible to emergency responders, including hand sanitizer type, estimated amount ingested, and the individual’s age and condition. Do not induce vomiting, as this can cause further harm. If the person is awake, offering a sweet drink like juice or milk can help mitigate a drop in blood sugar, a common effect of alcohol. This should only be done if they are fully conscious and can swallow safely.
Strategies for Prevention
Preventing accidental ingestion of hand sanitizer is crucial, especially in households with children or vulnerable individuals. Always store hand sanitizer bottles out of reach and sight of children and pets. This includes small, travel-sized bottles found in purses, diaper bags, or cars.
Supervision is key; children aged five and younger should always be supervised when using hand sanitizer. Educate children about its proper use, emphasizing it is for hands only and not for drinking. Avoid purchasing hand sanitizers in containers resembling food or drink, or with appealing flavors/fragrances, as these can attract young children.