The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center at the U-of-A received an influx of calls this month from Northern Arizona regarding hospitalizations due to toxic alcohols or methanol, reportedly related to hand sanitizer. The sudden spike in cases has been seen in Apache County and on the Navajo Nation. The colorless liquid, is volatile, flammable, and unlike ethanol, is poisonous for human consumption. Hand sanitizer normally does not contain methanol so it’s believed there may be a contaminated or homemade source circling through the affected communities. The products are very dangerous and can result in death. If you believe there’s been exposure call the poison center.
