The Serious Dangers Of Drinking Hand Sanitizer

Many hand sanitizer products contain ethanol (ethyl alcohol), isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol), or glycerin. Because of this, drinking hand sanitizer is ill-advised and unsafe. If you drink a bottle of hand sanitizer, you can develop alcohol poisoning.

Hand sanitizer is meant for cleaning your hands, not for ingestion. Those with alcohol use disorder may turn to household products, such as hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, or mouthwash to try and fill their alcohol cravings.

Unfortunately, this can lead to serious consequences, including coma or death. This is why no one should ever drink hand sanitizer. 

Using Hand Sanitizer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand sanitizers should be used before and after visiting a loved one who is sick. 

This rule is definitely important when it comes to the coronavirus and helping to prevent the spread of the disease.

Hand Sanitizers During The Pandemic

During the panic of the pandemic, many thought methanol might kill the virus. This led some to drink hand sanitizers that contained methanol. Ultimately, people lost their lives from drinking this type of cleaner.

Hand Sanitizers & Alcoholic Ingredients

There are several types of alcohol. Wine, beer, and even hard liquor contain ethanol alcohol (grain alcohol), which can all be ingested. 

In addition to containing isopropanol and ethanol, some hand sanitizers may contain methanol, which is highly dangerous when consumed. 

If a person tries to drink hand sanitizer that contains methanol, it can lead to methanol poisoning and other serious health problems.

Acceptable Hand Sanitizers

When using hand sanitizers, it’s important to look at the label to ensure it has the active ingredients to help kill germs.

While hand sanitizers should not be used for drinking purposes, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a list of acceptable hand sanitizers that do not contain the harmful chemical methanol and can be used on the hands.

Warnings Of Drinking Hand Sanitizer

Those who suffer from an alcohol use disorder may find themselves searching their home for products that contain any amount of alcohol, such as hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, and mouthwash. 

If you or a loved one consumes hand sanitizer, seek urgent medical attention and contact the poison control center.

Because of the high alcohol content and the dangers associated with drinking hand sanitizer, health officials have released numerous warnings in regards to drinking hand sanitizer.

Health Issues & ER Visits

If you drink hand sanitizer, you can expect a visit to the emergency room. Drinking hand sanitizer can quickly lead to alcohol toxicity and a number of health issues. 

In fact, consuming hand sanitizing products is risky and can lead to:

• visual impairment or complete vision loss
• liver damage
• seizures
• low blood sugar
• ​kidney damage
• brain damage
• damage to your nervous system
• ​coma
• death

You should never drink hand sanitizer as it poses serious health risks. Contact your health department right away if you suspect alcohol poisoning.

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