3 ms·
2 grams is a safe daily dose of methanol, according to this paper[1]. 2 cubic centimeters of water weighs about 2 grams. These sanitizers are supposed to be mo
by aaronchall 6y ago
2 grams is a safe daily dose of methanol, according to this paper[1]. 2 cubic centimeters of water weighs about 2 grams.
These sanitizers are supposed to be mostly ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, around 70%.
So, supposing conservatively, if all of the alcohol is methanol instead, and you absorb all of it, about 3 cc's should be your maximum daily limit from such a dispenser.
Of course, most of the alcohol will be lost to evaporation instead of absorbed, thus I think a few small squirts here and there shouldn't hurt you - as long as you aren't drinking it.
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11926610/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11926610/
- Retric 6y agoThis is likely correct, the FDA is reasonably concerned for at the extreme end. “Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk for methanol poisoning, young children who accidently ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk.” I would be more concerned if your using hand sanitizer 10+ times a day, but a single use from a random store is almost certainly harmless.