Four patients in the U.S. have died and three were discharged with visual impairment after swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing methanol.
15 cases from May 1 to June 30
According to a paper published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 15 cases of methanol poisoning were reported in Arizona and New Mexico from May 1 to June 30 this year.
All patients had a history of swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitiser products. They were all hospitalised.
The patients were aged between 21 and 65. There were two women and 13 men.
Four of them were still hospitalised as of July 8.
Among the four patients who died, three had seizures at the time of admission, stated CDC.
However, initial signs and symptoms were not reported for the fourth patient who passed away.
Large doses of methanol can be toxic to humans
The CDC explained that alcohol-based hand sanitiser should only contain ethanol or isopropanol.
However, some hand-sanitiser products imported into the U.S. may contain methanol.
Methanol can be extremely toxic to the human body if ingested.
A potentially lethal dose of methanol is approximately 30 to 240 millilitres.
Permanent visual damage may occur with a minimum ingestion of 30 millilitres.
Severe methanol poisoning can also result in permanent disability or death.
Individuals with the highest risk include toddlers and young children who are exploring their environment, as well as alcoholics, and suicidal individuals.
Top image by noahmatteo via Unsplash.