CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hand sanitizer is becoming a dangerous part of a new teen trend.
Some kids are getting drunk off the sanitizers.
“Parents are unaware,” said Lakeisha McCormick with Center for Prevention Services in Charlotte. “It's definitely something that parents wouldn't even think could be used as (a) potential drug.”
McCormick said she's not surprised -- she's heard of the trend before.
Teens are separating the alcohol in the sanitizer through a distillation process. It creates a potent substance comparable to a shot of hard liquor.
In Charlotte, McCormick said she hasn't seen a problem yet.
But recently, an emergency news conference was called in Los Angeles after nearly a dozen teenagers wound up in ERs with alcohol poisoning.
With such easy access to the products, McCormick said parents should be cautious and open with their children.
“I encourage parents to start the conversation about what their expectations are about substance use and about drugs,” she said.