Is purell toxic if swallowed

Answer 1

The basic answer is yes.

More complexly, it may only be toxic because of its high concentration of ethyl alcohol (62-65% or about 130 proof) rather than anything else. This puts it in alcohol range slightly below strong whiskey, which is also technically somewhat toxic. There has been some suggestion in articles related to children drinking Purell that the ethanol in it may not be fit for consumption (there is a possibility that the ethanol in it is denatured, which would render it toxic to drink).

It also contains several other 'non-toxic' ingredients to add moisturizer, thickener, fragrance, etc, and since Purell is not intended for consumption there is no specific research as to the effects these chemicals have on a persons innards.

The typical ingredients of Purell are as follows:

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Contains: Ethyl Alcohol (62%)

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Propylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Carbomer, Fragrance (parfum)

Some hand sanitizers contain Isopropyl alcohol, which is incredibly toxic when ingested.