Parents be warned: Hand sanitizers, if not used properly, could be dangerous!

Los Angeles : In recent years, hand sanitizers have become an important part of daily healthy life in a household, but what if we tell you that they have side-effects.

Yes, an alarming new report has revealed that the last few years have seen thousands of under-12s hospitalized after drinking the toxic product.

According to US centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “More than 70,000 children have been treated for injuries related to the alcohol-based gel between 2011 and 2014. The cases ranged from eye irritation and stomach pain to vomiting and comas.”

The report comes months after FDA ruled that hand sanitizers are no more useful than soap - and that they can also be damaging.

The report warned that nearly 90 percent of the severely affected children were under five years old. 

However, the report adds that this should not be seen as a reason to stop using the product, since it does prevent germ-spread.

But they repeat that the parents should be vigilant about handing a whole bottle to their child.

It read: “Hand sanitizers are effective and inexpensive products that can reduce microorganisms on the skin, but ingestion or improper use can be associated with health risks. Many hand sanitizers contain up to 60 percent–95 percent ethanol or isopropyl alcohol by volume, and are often combined with scents that might be appealing to young children. Hand washing with plain soap and water is safe and effective and does not carry these associated risks.”

So, choose wisely and keep your children safe!