Detection of Ethanol and Methanol in Hand Sanitizers used in Public Places in Delhi during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) pandemic, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are being used widely to prevent the transmission of corona virus. But a major concern is the adulteration of methanol in hand sanitizer. Cases of methanol poisoning increased drastically during the pandemic. This study was carried out to detect ethanol and methanol in hand sanitizers that are being sold and used in public places. The hand sanitizer samples for this study were collected from different public places in Delhi from June-August 2022. A total of 53 samples were collected and the samples were run on Gas Chromatography (GC-HS) for analysis of ethanol and methanol. Methanol was detected in 25 samples. During the COVID-19 pandemic, various cases of methanol poisoning due to consumption or chronic absorption of hand sanitizer have been reported all over the world. Methanol is a toxic alcohol and long-term dermal exposure to this toxic substance can cause severe health effects. During the pandemic, the increased demand of hand sanitizer resulted in uncontrolled manufacturing and sale of hand sanitizers. Data obtained from this study highlight the need to monitor the manufacturing and sale of alcoholbased hand sanitizer by the regulatory bodies and to raise awareness among the public about the toxic effects of methanol.