Calgarians warned of fire risk from canned aluminum hand sanitizer

Calgary consumers are asked to transfer the contents of a locally produced hand sanitizer called Crisis-Grade Hand Sanitizer Refill into safe glassor plastic containers.

The producthas been recalled due to a significant fire risk.

Crisis-Grade Hand Sanitizer Refill wassold in aluminum cans, the same type used for some craft beers. The sanitizercontains ethanol, which is flammable if exposed to a heat source.

The ethanol has been found to react to the aluminum cans, causing deterioration of the can and leaking out the bottom and sides of the can.

"It's degrading the aluminum, and it will at some point start leaking," saidCarol Henke, public information officer with the Calgary Fire Department.

The Crisis-Grade Hand Sanitizer Refill wasproduced by some Calgary breweries and sold at a variety of local businesses.

The fire department is asking anyone who may have purchased these canned products to inspect them for leaks. If any of the liquid has leaked out, it should be cleaned up with soap and water, and the contents transferred for disposal.

If the canhas leaked, then it will be diluted and less effective due to to alcohol evaporation.

"If it has been leaking, some of the alcohol has been evaporating," Henke said. "So you canbe using it but not killing any germs."

The fire department recommends disposing of any compromised product by dropping it off at a hazardous waste disposal site, which would include a designated fire station or city landfill.

Henke requestedthat people not use glass containers if it is going to be dropped off for disposal.

If the can is not leaking, it's still advised to transfer the contents into a safe plastic or glass container, then seal the container. This contents maystill be used as hand sanitizer.

For more information on safe handlingand disposal, go to the City of Calgary's chemical disposal information page.