Why in news?

Gambia’s Health Minister Ahmadou Lamin Samateh said that the number of child deaths likely linked to contaminated cough syrups made by an Indian manufacturer

Highlights

• There was a link between dozens of child deaths from acute kidney injuries and the consumption of a paracetamol syrup used for fever, cough, cold, and pain
• The Gambia started coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) about the incidents and reported four locally-sold cough syrups it suspected could be linked to the injuries and deaths
• WHO issued a medical alert about four substandard products “that fail to meet either their quality standards or specification whose manufacturer was listed as Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited, Haryana, India
• The alert added that the products mentioned were unsafe and their use, especially in children, could result in serious injury or death
• The WHO further specified that its laboratory analysis of samples of each of the four products had confirmed that they contained “unacceptable amounts” of two “contaminants” — diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol

What are these toxic chemicals?

• diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are illegal adulterants that may be used as solvents in liquid medication.
• Common solvents such as glycerine (also known as glycerol) and propylene glycol are used incough syrups to provide a liquid base to non-water-soluble paracetamol or acetaminophen these solvents also act as preservatives, thickeners, sweeteners, and antimicrobial agents
• In order to cut expenses and due to the solubility of compounds like diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, manufacturers may sometimes substitute it for non-toxic solvents such as glycerine or propylene glycol or comparatively cheaper commercial grade versions of these solvents which may contain diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, potentially resulting in contamination.