If increasing threat of mysterious proportions from coronavirus was not enough, people may be having a new problem ‘at hand’. And this time around it’s from none other than the most basic protection itself- the hand sanitiser.

• Punjab’s Food and Drug Administration has found during an analysis that many of the hand sanitisers being sold in the market are of sub-standard quality.
• Around 60% of samples were found devoid of any details about their contents.
• Some brands were found to be adulterating the sanitisers with water.
• Majority of brands were found containing lesser ethanol than mentioned in the content details.
• As per WHO standards, a hand sanitizer should contain 80% ethanol or 75% isopropyl alcohol.
• One of the most glaring instances of adulteration that was found during the survey was the use of methanol in place of ethanol by some brands.

Methanol

• Also known as methyl alcohol, it is a light, volatile, colourless flammable liquid with a distinctive alcoholic odour similar to that of ethanol.
• Methanol plays a critical role in the production of biodiesel. Biodiesel is generally made when fats and oils are chemically reacted with methanol, and a catalyst, typically sodium or potassium hydroxide to produce biodiesel.

Threats

• It is a hazardous chemical that is highly flammable. It is a toxic alcohol, used industrially as a solvent, pesticide and alternative fuel source.
• It is extremely toxic to humans if ingested or if vapors are inhaled. It is irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
• Direct exposure to methanol should be avoided, as methanol can be harmful if swallowed, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled. Ingestion of even small amount can cause irreversible injury to the nervous system, blindness or even death.
• Methanol can also degrease the skin, which may cause dermatitis.
• Symptoms of acute methanol exposure may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, nausea, difficult breathing, drunkenness, eye irritation, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, and possibly death.

Do’s and don’ts

• In case of methanol contact with skin, remove contaminated clothing, wash with soap and water for 15 minutes, and seek medical attention if irritation occurs.
• If methanol comes in direct contact with eyes, immediately flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
• In case of inhalation of methanol vapors, the individual should be allowed plenty of fresh air.
• Ingestion of methanol is life threatening. Onset of symptoms may be delayed for 18 to 24 hours after ingestion. Immediate medical attention is critical in such cases.