• Aaron B Schneir and Richard F Clark.
• Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California-San Diego Health System, San Diego, California 92103, USA.
• J Emerg Med. 2013 Sep 1;45(3):358-60.

BackgroundThe use of hand sanitizer is effective in preventing the transmission of disease. Many hand sanitizers are alcohol-based, and significant intoxications have occurred, often in health care facilities, including the emergency department (ED).ObjectivesWe present this case to highlight potential toxicity after the ingestion of an ethanol-based hand sanitizer.Case ReportA 36-year-old man presented to the ED with ethanol intoxication. Ethanol breath analysis was measured at 278 mg/dL. After 4 h, the patient was less intoxicated and left the ED. Thirty minutes later, he was found apneic and pulseless in the ED waiting room bathroom after having ingested an ethanol-based hand sanitizer. Soon after a brief resuscitation, his serum ethanol was 526 mg/dL. He never regained consciousness and died 7 days later. No other cause of death was found.ConclusionThe case highlights the potential for significant toxicity after the ingestion of a product found throughout health care facilities. Balancing the benefit of hand sanitizers for preventing disease transmission and their potential misuse remains a challenge.Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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