On April 28, 2021, Scentsational Soaps & Candles, Inc. voluntarily recalled 5 lots of Scentsational Soaps & Candles scented hand sanitizers because of the presence of methanol. A chemical which can be toxic when absorbed through the skin. The products were sold nationwide through stores such as Ulta, Tj Maxx, and Marshalls. The recall involves certain lots sold in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.
The company decided to recall these products after a test conducted revealed the presence of methanol, otherwise known as wood alcohol, and other chemicals, including benzene and acetaldehyde. A substantial methanol exposure may cause nausea, headaches, blurred vision, blindness, seizures, permanent damage to the nervous system, and even death. Young children who accidentally ingest the products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol substitute are most at risk for methanol poisoning. Benzene may also cause leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders, while acetaldehyde can also possibly cause cancer.
According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, the affected bottles of hand sanitizer can be differentiated by a five-digit code printed on the bottle near the base, or in the case of an Ulta Beauty Collection product, a five-digit lot code followed by a single letter. The FDA also recommended for consumers, distributors, and retailers that have the products to stop using them or selling them and return them to the place of purchase.
If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of the use of these hand sanitizers, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-742-6002 or toll free at 1-888-261-8831.