What if you drink sanitizer? This is a question that many people might find themselves asking after seeing someone mistakenly ingest hand sanitizer. While it may seem like a harmless product, hand sanitizers contain alcohol and other chemicals that can be harmful if ingested. In this article, we will explore the potential dangers of drinking hand sanitizer and what you should do if you or someone else accidentally consumes it.
Hand sanitizers are designed to kill germs and bacteria on the skin, and they typically contain a high concentration of alcohol, often around 60-95%. This alcohol serves as the active ingredient that makes the sanitizer effective. However, when ingested, the alcohol can cause serious harm to the body. The following are some of the potential consequences of drinking hand sanitizer:
1. Alcohol Poisoning: The most immediate concern is alcohol poisoning. The high concentration of alcohol in hand sanitizers can lead to intoxication, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, vomiting, and in severe cases, coma or death.
2. Liver Damage: Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and consuming large amounts of alcohol can overwhelm the liver’s capacity to process it. This can lead to liver damage, which may result in liver failure and other serious health issues.
3. Central Nervous System Effects: The central nervous system can be affected by the alcohol in hand sanitizers, leading to symptoms such as drowsiness, slurred speech, and impaired coordination. In severe cases, it can cause seizures or even respiratory depression.
4. Gastrointestinal Issues: Ingesting hand sanitizer can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
So, what should you do if you or someone else drinks hand sanitizer? Here are some steps to take:
1. Call Poison Control: The first step is to call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. They can provide immediate guidance on what to do and how to treat the ingestion.
2. Stay Calm: It’s important to remain calm and not panic. Panicking can exacerbate the symptoms and make the situation worse.
3. Do Not Induce Vomiting: It is generally not recommended to induce vomiting unless instructed by a poison control specialist, as this can lead to aspiration and further complications.
4. Seek Medical Attention: If the person who ingested the hand sanitizer shows signs of severe intoxication, such as difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or other life-threatening symptoms, they should be taken to the nearest emergency room immediately.
In conclusion, while hand sanitizers are a valuable tool for preventing the spread of germs, they are not meant to be ingested. If someone drinks hand sanitizer, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and follow the guidance of poison control professionals. By understanding the potential dangers and knowing the appropriate steps to take, we can help ensure the safety of ourselves and others.
