Since March 2020, there has been a significant increase in the use of hand sanitizers as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US poison control centers have received reports of serious adverse events after applying hand sanitizers to the skin. Some of these cases may be related to vapors from hand sanitizers. In general, most people had minor effects—mostly headache, nausea, and dizziness—after applying the hand sanitizer in an enclosed area or spaces with poor air circulation, such as inside a car. Most cases involved adults; however, a few cases involved children. While most cases resulted in minor effects, a few required medical treatment.
The following precautions are recommended when using hand sanitizers:
• Use hand sanitizers in well-ventilated areas. If you are in an enclosed area such as a car, open the window or go outside to apply the sanitizer.
• Ensure the hand sanitizer dries completely and the vapors have cleared before reentering enclosed areas.
• Read and follow the directions listed on the product’s over-the-counter (OTC) Drug Facts label. Read the label warnings.
• Check the FDA’s “do-not-use” list of hand sanitizers that are contaminated and may be harmful if used.
• Store hand sanitizers up and away and out of children’s reach and sight.
• If you experience adverse effects from hand sanitizer or if someone accidently ingests it, call the Poison Help hotline at: 1-800-222-1222. Seek immediate medical help if you or the person affected has trouble breathing or becomes unconscious.
• Report any adverse effects to the FDA.
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Published October 6, 2021
