April 27, 2020
Background:
The
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is warning the public of improper
use of hand sanitizers and disinfectant products during the COVID-19
pandemic.
From
March to April, the Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) has experienced a 64 percent
increase in
calls compared to the previous year about health
concerns from accidental ingestion of hand sanitizer. Most
of these calls (303, 69 percent) involved young children less than 5 years. The majority of
calls reported accidental ingestion, but some reported hand sanitizer
contacting skin and eyes.
Hand
sanitizers can be tempting to children because they may be packaged in colorful
bottles, with sweet smells. The most effective hand sanitizers contain ethyl
alcohol at concentrations ranging from 60 to 95 percent. Young children can get
alcohol poisoning by swallowing just a few squirts of hand sanitizer.
Additionally,
the TPCN received increased calls about accidental use of bleach (67 percent
increase) and other disinfectant products (149 percent increase calls). About 24
percent (295) of these calls reported accidental ingestions involving young
children less than 5 years. Calls also reported exposures to skin and
breathing in fumes.
When used correctly, hand sanitizers and
disinfectant products, including bleach, are safe and effective. However, improper
use can have harmful health effects, and young children are more at risk for
these health effects.
Clinical Presentation:
The risk of harmful effects depends on the route of
exposure, the amount of substance and the type of product. Common signs and symptoms
associated with exposure to hand sanitizer and disinfectant products include conjunctivitis,
mild irritation or redness of the skin, nausea or vomiting, mouth or throat
irritation, and cough and abdominal pain. Some signs of alcohol poisoning
include confusion, vomiting, slow breathing, low body temperature and bluish
skin color.
When bleach is
mixed with other cleaners breathing in the fumes may cause coughing, chest
tightness, burning and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headache,
choking and in severe cases death.
Recommendations for Public:
To reduce improper use
and prevent unnecessary chemical exposures, users should:
- Always read and follow directions on the label,
- Only use water at room temperature for dilution (unless
stated otherwise on the label),
- Wear eye and skin protection,
- Ensure adequate ventilation,
- Store chemicals out of the reach of children.
- Avoid mixing chemical products. NEVER mix bleach with other household cleaners. Bleach can become a dangerous gas
if mixed with other household cleaners such as ammonia.
- Use hand sanitizer only when soap and water
are not available. Guidance on proper hand sanitizer use may be found at the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/pdf/hand-sanitizer-factsheet.pdf.
Guidance for cleaning and disinfecting public
spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools and homes may be found at the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-cdc-release-guidance-cleaning-and-disinfecting-spaces-where-americans-live-work-and.
For More Information:
Individuals
who believe they may have been exposed to hand sanitizers and disinfectant
products and are concerned about their health should contact their healthcare
provider, or the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.
DSHS Environmental Surveillance and Toxicology Branch
512-776-7268
epitox@dshs.texas.gov
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-cdc-release-guidance-cleaning-and-disinfecting-spaces-where-americans-live-work-and