Chemical and Microbial Laboratory Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, September 11^th, 2020

Last month, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers and health care professionals about certain hand sanitizer products, including some manufactured by a company in Mexico, that are labeled to contain ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, but have tested positive for 1-propanol contamination.

1-Propanol, also known as n-propyl alcohol and not to be confused with 2-propanol/isopropanol/isopropyl alcohol, is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizer products marketed in the United States and can be toxic and life-threatening when ingested. FDA urges consumers not to use these 1-propanol-contaminated products and has expanded its do-not-use list of hand sanitizers to include hand sanitizers that are, or may be, contaminated with 1-propanol. The agency had previously listed numerous brands of hand sanitizer products that potentially contained methanol, another ingredient that is not allowed due to its toxic effects.

“FDA reports that symptoms of 1-propanol exposure can include confusion, decreased consciousness, and slowed pulse and breathing,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Ingesting it can cause death and skin or eye exposure can result in irritation. There have also been rare cases of allergic skin reactions. Consumers have been told to stop using these specific products and to dispose of them in appropriate hazardous waste containers.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers laboratory testing services to identify potential chemical hazards and microbial contaminants in products of all types. With dozens of facilities across the United States and Canada, EMSL provides rapid testing services. To learn more about consumer product testing or other industrial hygiene, air quality, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.