Protect Yourself: Practice Hand Hygiene and Be Aware of Hand Sanitizer Recalls by FDA

Hand Hygiene

One of the easiest and quickest ways to protect yourself and slow the spread of the Coronavirus is to practice good hand hygiene. This virus lives on surfaces and can spread through cross contamination from touching a surface the virus lives on and then your mouth, nose or face. The CDC recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap to adequately clean your hands. However, when we don’t have access to a sink- the next best thing for disinfecting your hands is hand sanitizer. The CDC suggests using a hand sanitizer with 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol, especially in healthcare settings.

Early in July, the FDA published a warning to the public to be mindful of the hand sanitizers they purchase and use. The FDA started to investigate hand sanitizers labeled to contain ethanol, but tested positive for traces of methanol. Methanol is a toxic substance when it is absorbed through the skin (like when applying hand sanitizer) or ingested. It can have many adverse effects. According to CNN, “Exposure to significant amounts of methanol can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death.”

This is an ongoing investigation, as the FDA has already seen adults and children exposed to methanol hospitalized. Many of the products in question are manufactured in Mexico, and the FDA’s complete list of hand sanitizer recalls can be found here.

Photo Credit: CNN

Fusion PPE Prioritizes Ethical Sourcing

Fusion PPE is proud to safely and ethically source all of its products, including its two hand disinfectants, ensuring their high quality and certifications. Fusion PPE’s A2A Elite Hand Sanitizer is a 16-ounce pump bottle with an active ingredient of 70 percent ethanol. The hand sanitizer is manufactured in an FDA audited plant. The ethanol formula is designed to kill more than 99 percent of most bacteria to help prevent infection and protect against cross-contamination. The gel sanitizer has a pleasant spring water scent and contains vitamin E, which leaves your hands feeling refreshed and well-nourished after each use.

Fusion PPE also exclusively offers the Orbel™ Personal Hand Sanitizing Device as another option for hand cleaning. This product is unique in that the hand sanitizer is packed in a small device that clips onto your person. The Orbel™ contains a 72 percent disinfectant gel to easily disinfect your hands on the go! This device disperses the perfect amount of product for a single use through sliding your hand over a set of roller balls.

Both of these hand sanitizer products are ideal and safe options for both business and personal use. More information on these products and other personal protective equipment can be found at Fusion PPE’s website: https://fusion.healthcare/