Health officials warn that some COVID-19 rapid test used at home contains a toxic chemical that harms children and adults. The Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center warned of an increase in accidental exposure to a possibly toxic substance found in at-home COVID-19 test kits, Epoch Times Report.
The presence of the chemical Sodium Azide
According to the National Poison Control Center, it is critical to know that the extraction vial in many rapid antigen kits contains sodium azide as a preservative agent. They noted that BinaxNow, BD Veritor, Flowflex, and Celltrion DiaTrust COVID-19 rapid antigen kits contain this chemical.
Sodium azide is a colorless powder that testers use to dip the cotton swabs.
The Poison Center warned that small doses of sodium azide lower blood pressure, and larger doses pose serious health risks.
Sodium azide can also cause dizziness, headache, and palpitations when ingested. Severe exposure can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death. Sodium azide is a "very potent poison."
ProClin, another compound, is also found in many rapid antigen tests. The chemical can cause skin and eye irritation and allergic reactions.
According to Sheila Goertemoeller, pharmacist and clinical toxicologist for the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, people might mistake the chemicals for eye drops, and children might drop them into the skin, both instances causing irritation and damage to the eyes and skin.
Exposure to Sodium azide
Hospitals all over the country noted a surge in phone calls about exposure to the chemicals.
Goertemoeller noted the first exposure to the test kits was as early as November. She said the most vulnerable are the young children.
However, accidental exposure occurs in both adults and children.
Precautions when taking the test
As part of the COVID-19 administration plan, nearly 200 million at-home COVID-19 tests were distributed all over the country.
Sarah Watkins, the medical director of West Texas Poison Center, urged people to read the instructions before using COVID-19 testing kits carefully.
She said they had received calls to put the test swab in the solution and put it on their nose. Some are also confusing the chemical for eyedrops.
According to Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, with the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, there is no need to throw away the test kits, but people should be mindful while using them. The center reminds the public to do the following in cases of exposure to the chemical:
- If someone drinks the sodium azide solution, there is a need to contact the poison control right away.
- Careful in using the kits and disposing of it properly.
- When exposed to the chemical through the eyes, rinse the eyes for 15 to 20 minutes with warm water immediately.
- In cases of skin exposure, rinse the skin well with tap water.
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