Check Your Hand Sanitizer Against Do-Not-Use List

The FDA has expanded its list of do-not-use hand sanitizers to include those that contain potentially dangerous contaminants.

All hand sanitizer bulk ordered for use at Pacific University has been checked against the warning list and is safe for use. However, employees who may have purchased hand sanitizer for their own office or personal use are encouraged to check it against the list.

Last month, the FDA warned consumers about hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, but that tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol, or wood alcohol, can be toxic when absorbed through the skin and life-threatening when ingested.

This week’s expanded warning identified hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol or isopropyl alcohol but that tested positive for 1-propanol contamination. 1-propanol, which should not be confused with 2-propanol/isopropanol/isopropyl, can be toxic and life-threatening when ingested.

Please use the searchable FDA list to check the safety of your hand sanitizer purchase. If you do have hand sanitizer that has been identified as potentially toxic, dispose of it in a hazardous waste container. Do not pour these products down the drain or flush them.