Can you eat hand sanitizer?
Quick Answer
No
Eating hand sanitizer is dangerous and can lead to serious health problems, including alcohol poisoning. It is not meant for ingestion.
What Is It?
Hand sanitizer is a liquid, gel, or foam generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hands. It is often alcohol-based and is not safe for consumption.
Why It Can Be Risky
Ingesting hand sanitizer can lead to several health risks:
- Alcohol poisoning, especially in children who ingest it by accident.
- Damage to the digestive system.
- Potential blindness or death if it contains methanol.
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Safe Method?
Hand sanitizer should only be used topically, on the skin, particularly on the hands. It should never be ingested.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re looking for a way to sanitize your mouth or throat, consider using mouthwash or a saltwater gargle instead. Never use hand sanitizer for this purpose.
Storage Tips
Keep hand sanitizer out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.