Hundreds of children have died since late 2022 due to the consumption of cough syrup contaminated with the toxic chemical ethylene glycol (EG).
Cough syrup. (Image source: Hindustan Times)
On April 15, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning to pharmaceutical companies regarding five lots of sweetened propylene glycol, an ingredient used in medical syrup formulations, which were contaminated with the toxic chemical ethylene glycol (EG). These lots were falsely labeled and produced by branches of Dow Chemical Company (USA) in Asia and Europe.
This action follows three warnings issued by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) from January to March 2024 about high levels of EG found in containers of propylene glycol seized by the agency, which were believed to have been produced by Dow Chemical branches in Thailand, Germany, and Singapore.
According to the WHO, the levels of drugs and syrups containing the toxic ethylene glycol are at “unacceptable” levels. The contamination levels ranged from 0.62% to 0.82%, surpassing the regulatory threshold of no more than 0.1%. These drugs are used to treat cough, allergies, and other health issues.
The WHO reported that a total of 23 product lots, commercially known as Alergo syrup, Emidone mixture, Mucorid syrup, Ulcofin mixture, and Zincell syrup, were affected. So far, only Alergo has been found outside of Pakistan.
Cough syrups containing EG, manufactured in India and Indonesia, have been linked to over 300 cases of child fatalities globally since late 2022. These syrups have been found to contain high levels of EG, as well as diethylene glycol, another toxic chemical that can cause acute kidney injury and death.
The WHO warns that these substandard products are unsafe, and their use, especially in children, can lead to severe harm or death.
