Nov 4, 2009 2:01 pm US/Pacific
Hand Sanitizers Not Without Risks For Kids
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS) ―
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A woman shows a child how to wash his hands with an antibacterial hand gel.
MYCHELE DANIAU/AFP/Getty Images
You expect hand sanitizers to kill germs, but the product's ability to intoxicate a child may come as a surprise.
"Sometimes we take for granted that this is a powerful and toxic substance to small children," explained Anne Mills, RN. "Hand sanitizer is made up of 62 percent ethyl alcohol roughly, and that is equivalent of 120 proof alcohol."
If used properly, Mills says hand sanitizer is a safe product for use on children. But, she wants parent to beware of the hazards.
"Small children can get a mouthful of this product and easily become intoxicated," she explained. "They may be wobbly. They may be dizzy, sleepy. Their speech is slurred."
Angie Dameron said her 2-year-old son became intoxicated after she used hand sanitizer on him prior to a meal. "I took him out of his high chair and all of a sudden he dropped down to the ground laughing," said Dameron. "When he finally was able to stand, he was dragging his right leg and he stumbled. He'd take about two steps and he'd fall."
A spokesperson for the Carolinas Poisoning Center said it is unlikely the average toddler would become intoxicated by hand sanitizer if the product was used properly. However, if hand sanitizer is ingested by a child, parents should wipe out the child's mouth with a damp cloth and call the California poison control at 1-800-222-1222.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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