PPB October 2020

Some flexibility in packaging configuration is outlined in the letter, however, key provisions for all packaging in which hand sanitizer is shipped to your company or to your customer include the following: • Must be overpacked in crates, cages, carts, boxes or similar overpacks. • Packages are secured in the transport vehicle in such a way as to prevent breakage, leakage and movement. Packages are packed with package closures in an upright orientation. • The company name and the words ''Sanitizer - Contains Ethyl Alcohol'' or ''Sanitizer - Contains Isopropyl Alcohol'' is marked on the outside of the single package and the overpack. • Air shipments remain strictly prohibited. Hand Sanitizers: Common Use And Misuse And Current Recalls Hand sanitizer usage seems rather straightforward: Apply a palmful of alcohol- based hand sanitizer. Cover all surfaces of the hands. Rub hands until dry. Poisoning Hazard In 2017, the CDC published a paper titled “Reported Adverse Health Effects in Children from Ingestion of Alcohol- Based Hand Sanitizers – United States, 2011 – 2014.” The paper used data collected from the National Poison Data System and examined intentional and unintentional ingestion of hand sanitizer and the health risks to children 12 years of age and under. There were 65,293 reported incidents of ingestion of alcohol-based hand sanitizer during the period reviewed. Approximately 90 percent of the incidents occurred among young children aged 0-5 years, with 97 percent of those cases involving oral ingestion. Hand sanitizers frequently contain colorants, scents and other additives that make the gel attractive to children. Researchers determined older children were more likely to intentionally ingest the sanitizer, suggesting this might be potential product abuse. Older children reported more symptoms and had worse health outcomes than younger children. Common Symptoms • Drowsiness • Eye irritation • Conjunctivitis • Sore throat • Cough | OCTOBER 2020 | 85 THINK