The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday issued a warning, alerting consumers that new hand sanitizers have been added to its comprehensive list of those to avoid because they contain high levels of potentially cancer-causing chemicals.
According to the alert, the FDA tested certain scent-free hand sanitizers distributed by artnaturals and detected “unacceptable” levels of benzene, acetaldehyde, and acetal contaminants.
The affected products are labeled with “DIST. by artnaturals Gardena, CA 90248,” but the FDA advised consumers to avoid all artnaturals hand sanitizer, alleging that the company has not replied to its requests to help identify the manufacturer or declare an official recall, KRON reported.
“While the exact risk from using hand sanitizer containing benzene, acetaldehyde or acetal is unknown, FDA recommends consumers do not use products contaminated with unacceptable levels of benzene, acetaldehyde, or acetal,” the agency stated.
According to the alert, consumers are advised to dispose of any artnaturals hand sanitizers in a hazardous waste container, rather than flushing the products or pouring them down a drain.
Consumers should, instead, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol, also referred to as ethyl alcohol, the FDA advised.
According to the FDA, benzene may cause certain types of cancer in humans, while animal studies have shown that acetaldehyde may cause cancer in humans and may cause serious illness or death. Acetal can irritate the upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin.
Click here to see the FDA’s complete list of hand sanitizers to avoid.
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