Is it safe to eat hand sanitizer?
Quick Answer
No
Eating hand sanitizer is not safe and can lead to serious health problems, including alcohol poisoning. Hand sanitizers are intended for external use only.
What Is It?
Hand sanitizer is a liquid, gel, or foam generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hands. It is generally more effective at killing microorganisms and better tolerated than soap and water.
Why It Can Be Risky
Ingesting hand sanitizer can lead to several health risks:
- Alcohol poisoning: Most hand sanitizers contain high levels of alcohol, which can cause alcohol poisoning if ingested.
- Damage to internal organs: The chemicals in hand sanitizers can damage the liver and other internal organs if swallowed.
- Risk of dependency: Ingesting hand sanitizer can lead to alcohol dependency and other substance abuse problems.
Safe Method?
Hand sanitizer should only be used topically, on the hands, and should never be ingested.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re looking for a way to sanitize your mouth or throat, consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash instead.