rwoodvira

I thought this was important enough to post in the main topic area. We don't want any hogs hurt or for that matter anyone. It always amazes me the lengths people will go to harm others. From the news clip:

"Heads up, consumers: If you’re using hand sanitizer to help protect against the novel coronavirus, a federal agency over the weekend warned that at least nine such products should be avoided because they may contain a toxic chemical.

“Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic effects,” the FDA continued. “Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning.”
The affected products are as follows:
• All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
• Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
• Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
• The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
• Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
The federal agency tested samples of Lavar Gel and CleanCare No Germ, finding that Lavar Gel contains 81 percent methanol and no ethyl alcohol, while CleanCare No Germ contains 28 percent methanol.
The FDA contacted the company, recommending it remove these hand sanitizers from the market. However, Eskbiochem “has not taken action to remove these potentially dangerous products from the market,” to date, and the FDA was ultimately prompted to issue the warning, officials said.
Signs of methanol poisoning include nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, and can result in permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death.

“Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk, young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk for methanol poisoning,” the FDA said.
Consumers who have one of the affected hand sanitizers should not only stop using them but also “dispose of them immediately in appropriate hazardous waste containers," the FDA advised. "Do not flush or pour these products down the drain."

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

ATTIC material, not photography ....

Quixdraw Loc: x

Agree - Also more panic porn - transdermal methanol poisoning is very rare. In reported cases, required lengthy soaking or exposure.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Methanol has a high, compared to methanol or isopropyl, vapor pressure and so one principle risk would be inhalation into the lungs. Note OP said why he was posting into Main.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Here's more detail: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-advises-consumers-not-use-hand-sanitizer-products-manufactured-eskbiochem

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

This has nothing to do with photography.
Are you advertising?

rwoodvira

As Murphy says: "No good deed goes unpunished." Unfortunately or fortunately I spent 40+ years as an insurance broker and saw what the uninformed could do. One specialty was product liability which I also taught including why products list what they are supposed to do, such as lawnmower which is not supposed to be used in hedge clipping; and yes there was a case where that happened.

The forum is open to photographers just starting out, hobbyists, and professionals who start at the Main and may or may not go to the other sections. There are old guys like me that have grandchildren or people that have young children. People that have a chemical background and those that do not.

Perhaps you missed the most important section: "young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk for methanol poisoning."

I officially stand corrected and if something else comes up I'll post in The Attic. It might be something for the lefties and the righties to argue about something new.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

It's a little-known fact that brain damage seriously affects your ability to take good pictures. Blindness and death can also be equally problematic.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Your intention was honorable, but think about all the topics that could end up in main photography discussion based on any day's newscast or alert.

I suggest that UHH is not the place people should (or do) use to educate themselves on the timely topics of the day. However, the General Chit-Chat section is a good location if you want to attempt civil and thoughtful discussion about world news.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

It should certainly be in Chit Chat, but why the Attic? It isn't a political or controversial topic.

repleo Loc: Boston

I don't believe anything that appears on Pox News ( the real Fake News). However, somebody above provided a link to the FDA notice which I followed and I admit the information does appear to be legitimate. I really don't care where you decided to post it - the title was pretty informative.

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

I, for one, I'm glad the OP posted this, and in the correct place, General Chit Chat. No, it's not directly photography related, but how many people, including hoggers, use hand sanitizers daily. True an occasional splash of methanol will not hurt you. BUT, I don't think it should be with in reach of children nor elderly.

Bill_de Loc: US

I don't think the OP posted in "Chit Chat". It was most likely moved here. The OP started out by saying,
"I thought this was important enough to post in the main topic area. "

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Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

We've had that concern for a while.
Does it enter the body thru a cut?
Does it enter thru the skin at all?
Does it enter thru inhalation?
Everything is cumulative.
So we buy straight vodka, XXX, cheap- works as good as the rest. Or better.
No, I don't drink alcohol.
"Don't leave out, breath, ingest, use on pets- but go ahead and douse yourself".
No.

Choobie

Thanks for posting this article, please look over the negative comments, some people are going to gripe regardless of what’s posted on this site!