Warning: Alcohol-Based Sanitizers

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has apologized for an alert it sent to subscribers alleged to have originated at the Chevron Corporation accompanying a photograph of severe burns on hands supposedly caused when residual amounts of Purell ignited while the victim was lighting a cigarette. ISMP states that the Chevron alert and photograph were fraudulent. "Neither Chevron nor Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Purell, were involved in the alert's creation."

However, ISMP continues to warn practitioners that alcohol-based sanitizers can cause intoxication if ingested, and should be sequestered in behavioral health patient care areas and psychiatric crisis centers or where children might be exposed.

Also, ISMP "has verified with Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers of alcohol-based sanitizers that Purell and similar products are flammable and should be used only as directed, which includes avoiding open flames."

Any Donkey, known for having the cleanest breath in town . . .