Drinking hand sanitizer kills three people, blinds another, New Mexico officials say

Three people in New Mexico died from methanol poisoning after drinking hand sanitizer, news outlets report.

One additional person is “now permanently blind” and three others are in critical condition, KOB4 reported.

“All seven people are believed to have drunk hand sanitizer containing methanol,” the New Mexico Department of Health told KOB4.

The Department of Health said the cases were reported in early May, with the first case reported May 7 and the other six cases occurring since May 29, according to KFOX14.

“The cases were related to alcoholism,” the Associated Press reported. Individuals with substance abuse issues have been known to drink hand sanitizer as a substitute for alcohol.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said earlier this week that nine hand sanitizer brands could be toxic, the Miami Herald reported. All nine are made in Mexico by Eskbiochem SA de CV and could contain methanol.

“Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic effects,” the FDA said. “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.”

This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 5:05 PM with the headline "Drinking hand sanitizer kills three people, blinds another, New Mexico officials say."