The Better Business Bureau is warning businesses about methanol contamination in certain sanitizing products.
On Thursday the BBB Serving Central California & Inland Empire Counties is warning businesses to be aware of the ingredients in the hand sanitizer products they offer to the public.
Earlier this month, the US Food & Drug Administration released a statement warning the public of hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol, but have been shown to be contaminated with methanol after testing.
Unlike ethanol, methanol is toxic when absorbed through the skin and/or ingested, the latter of which can be lethal. Consumers are urged to not ingest any ethanol-based products, and to take the necessary precautions to keep these items out of children's reach.
Lastly, be aware of the signs of methanol poisoning. According to the FDA, "substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death."
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1
