Hazards to Children

• Most liquid hand sanitizers contain a very high percentage of ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Reports have surfaced of children requiring medical treatment after ingesting small amounts of these sanitizers, which can even occur through biting fingernails.
  
  

Poisoning

• Although hand sanitizers have a very bitter taste, toddlers have been poisoned by consuming other nasty-tasting cleaning supplies, and sanitizers should be kept out of their reach. Ingestion of liquid hand sanitizers can cause brain damage in extreme cases.
  
  

Skin Irritation

• Liquid hand sanitizers can cause burning sensations, itching and rashes when applied to existing injuries, including small ones such as paper cuts.
  
  

Importance of Hand Washing

• People accustomed to using instant hand sanitizers might begin avoiding the more inconvenient process of washing their hands with soap and water. Sanitizers are not effective at clearing dirt from under fingernails or cleaning visibly grimy hands.
  
  

Flammability

• Liquid hand sanitizers are highly flammable because of the alcohol content. People should keep these products away from candles, space heaters, light bulbs, barbecue grills and cooking appliances.
  
  

Further Considerations

• Additionally, people must be sure their hands are completely dry of the sanitizer before working with open flames such as on a gas range or barbecue grill.