Recall Issued For Hand Sanitizer For Warnings of Blindness and Coma
In a world where germs are all around us, and we're constantly told to keep our hands clean, hand sanitizer can come in as a life saver. Unfortunately, you may not be completely aware of the ingredients in these products you trust to keep you safe and clean.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall for a brand of hand sanitizer and aloe gel due to methanol exposure, which is said to be toxic to the skin or when ingested.
While Purrell hand sanitizer may be the most household name of the sanitization family, another brand that prides its products on using a plant-base is to blame.
Recalled Products
If you've ever had a sunburn, you likely know the aloe vera plant. The company, Royal Aruba Aloe, is one of the only in the world that grows, harvests, and processes their Aloe on site, per their website.
While a plant-based product may be appealing, two of their products were involved in the recall due to alcohol denatured with methanol. Aruba Aloe Hand Sanitizer Gel Alcohol 80% and Aruba Aloe Alcoholada Gel were sold online in the U.S. through their website between May 1, 2021 and October 27, 2023.
The company had stated that all customers were notified through email and given a discount coupon.
Dangers of Methanol
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding potential methanol contamination in certain Aruba Aloe Balm products. Consumers are urged to stop using these products immediately and seek medical attention if they have experienced any concerning symptoms.
Methanol is a toxic substance that can be absorbed into the body through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or eye contact. However, the most concerning risk in this case is accidental ingestion.
Swallowing products containing methanol can lead to a range of serious health problems, including:
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Kidney failure
Coma
Seizures
Permanent blindness
Permanent nervous system damage
Death
FDA Recommendations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers to immediately stop using any Aruba Aloe Balm products they may have, and dispose of the products safely according to local hazardous waste disposal guidelines. Contact a physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any of the symptoms listed above after using these products.
As of April 5th, Aruba Aloe Balm N.V., the manufacturer, has not reported any incidents of adverse events linked to these products. However, the FDA emphasizes the potential health risks, particularly for young children who might accidentally ingest the product or teenagers and adults who might be tempted to use the product as a substitute for alcohol (ethanol).
Stay Informed
Consumers are advised to stay informed about this developing situation. They can find the latest updates from the FDA on their website.
It's important to remember that this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, always consult a doctor.