Why am I being warned about potential exposure to methanol?
- Methanol is on the Proposition 65 list for reproductive toxicity. Significant exposure to methanol during pregnancy may affect the development of the child.
- California's Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn people before exposing them to a significant amount a chemical listed under Proposition 65 for cancer or reproductive toxicity.
What is methanol?
- Methanol is a flammable liquid. It is used as a solvent and an ingredient in some consumer products such as varnishes, paints, and adhesives. It is sometimes called “methyl alcohol” or “wood alcohol.”
- Methanol is poisonous.
- It can be found in improperly produced distilled spirits, including some homemade spirits.
- It is sometimes illicitly added to distilled spirits and used in hand sanitizers to lower production costs, and is not included in the lists of ingredients.
- There are low levels of naturally occurring methanol in fruits and vegetables, and in some food and juices prepared from them. These levels of methanol are not a health concern.
How does significant exposure to methanol occur?
- Drinking improperly produced distilled spirits can expose you to dangerously high levels of methanol.
- You can also be exposed to methanol when using products that contain the chemical, like some cleaning products, solvents, paints, adhesives, windshield wiper fluid, de-icing solutions, and picnic stove fuels.
- During pregnancy, methanol can pass from mother to baby.
How can I reduce my exposure to methanol?
- Do not consume improperly produced distilled spirits.
- Do not consume alcohol of any kind if you are pregnant or might be pregnant.
- When using products like varnishes, adhesives, and paints that contain methanol, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions on the product label.
- Be sure to have adequate ventilation when you are working with solvents, varnishes, paints, and adhesives.
- Use the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) special webpage to identify hand sanitizers that contain methanol. Do not use these products.
- Wash your hands and your child’s hands, especially before preparing food and before eating.
For more information:
General Fact Sheets and Resources
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) - National Library of Medicine
Medline Plus. Trusted Health Information for You - US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Scientific Information on Methanol
- US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Toxicology Program (NTP)
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
