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A disturbing report by The Economic Times has revealed that over 100 <keyword id="21300086" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cough-syrup" source="keywords">cough syrup</keyword> samples manufactured in India failed quality control tests. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (<keyword id="20109095" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CDSCO" source="keywords">CDSCO</keyword>) analysed over 7,000 batches of cough syrup, finding that 353 did not meet quality standards. The reasons for these failures are particularly concerning. Nine batches contained di<keyword id="21957039" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ethylene-glycol" source="keywords">ethylene glycol</keyword> (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG), toxins previously linked to the deaths of children in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon. These toxins can cause serious health problems, including vomiting, convulsions, circulatory issues, and acute kidney failure. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="94675384" title="Indian drug regulator kicks off probe on cough syrup linked to deaths of Gambian children" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>What are <keyword id="15176477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diethylene-glycol" source="Orion">diethylene glycol</keyword> and ethylene glycol?</h2>For the unversed, DEG is a colourless, odourless and sweetish chemical. It is also a common industrial liquid used in many products, like antifreeze, car brakes, wallpaper removal solutions and in making fabrics and dyes. Similarly, EG is also a colourless and odourless alcoholic compound with a sweet-tasting and syrupy composition. It has known applications as an automotive antifreeze and as a raw material for manufacturing polyester fibres. It is also usually present in products like hydraulic brake fluids, stamp pad inks, ballpoint pens, solvents, paints, cosmetics and plastics. However, cough syrup manufacturers sometimes use EG and DEG as a replacement to non-toxic solvents like glycerine or propylene glycol simply because they are cheaper. Unfortunately, swallowing DEG and EG can be very dangerous. If someone drinks it, it can cause serious problems throughout their body and nervous system, leading to coma, seizures, nerve damage, and even liver and kidney failure, as per the CDC. <h2>Who is responsible?</h2>According to The Economic Times, the CDSCO blames unsecured supply chains and inadequate testing for the presence of these toxins. This news comes after a series of global alerts issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 regarding cough syrups manufactured in India that were linked to the deaths of over 140 children worldwide. The first alert came in October 2022, when the WHO flagged four cough syrups produced by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals. Authorities in Gambia linked these medications to 66 deaths, primarily from acute kidney failure. In December 2022, the WHO recommended avoiding two cough syrups made by Marion Biotech after Uzbekistan reported 18 child deaths linked to their Dok 1 Max syrup. Most recently, in August 2023, the WHO issued another alert for a batch of Indian common cold syrup found to contain unacceptable levels of DEG and EG as contaminants. This marked the fifth such alert issued by the WHO since 2022 regarding Indian-made cough syrups. <h2>CDSCO considers waiving testing requirement before exploring cough syrups</h2>The discovery of toxic components in something that’s as commonly sold as cough syrup should have prompted authorities to tighten texting processes. However, the apex drugs regulatory authority, is reportedly examining stakeholders’ proposal to waive the requirement for testing cough syrups being exported to the US, the UK, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Korea and Switzerland at the prescribed laboratory. These repeated failures and global health warnings raise serious concerns about the safety of cough syrups manufactured in India. The Indian government is urged to take immediate action to address these issues by strengthening quality control measures, securing supply chains and ensuring thorough testing to prevent further tragedies. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="96935179" title="WHO alert against use of Indian cough syrups in Uzbekistan" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Why are over 300 batches of Indian cough syrup being deemed "toxic"?

Indian Pharma company <keyword id="15908017" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="marion-biotech" source="Orion">Marion Biotech</keyword> Pvt Ltd has halted the production of cough syrup following allegations by Uzbekistan that at least 18 children died in the country after consuming the medicine. A joint inspection of the manufacturer's Noida facility was carried out by the teams of the Uttar Pradesh Drug Control Department and CDSCO. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is in contact with the national drug regulator of Uzbekistan regarding the matter. "Immediately on receipt of the information, joint inspection of the NOIDA facility of the manufacturer, Marion Biotech, was carried out by UP Drug Control and CDSCO team and further action as appropriate would be initiated based on the inspection report," said the Union health ministry on Thursday. The samples of the cough syrup have been taken from the manufacturing premises and sent to Regional Drugs Testing Laboratory (RDTL), Chandigarh for testing. Meanwhile, Marion Biotech Pharma company has said that it has sent samples of the said cough syrup for testing and has also halted the production of the product. Hasan, the Legal Head of Marion Biotech, expressed grief over the deaths on behalf of the company and said that an inquiry into the matter was being conducted by the government. He added that samples were collected and action would be taken on the basis of the report. Marion Biotech is a licensed manufacturer and holds a license for manufacturing Dok1 <keyword id="26842" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="max" source="Orion">Max</keyword> syrup and <keyword id="50839" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tablet" source="Orion">Tablet</keyword> for export purposes granted by <keyword id="282629" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="drugs-controller" source="Orion">Drugs Controller</keyword>, Uttar Pradesh. Uzbekistan's health ministry, on Tuesday, said that 18 children suffering from an acute respiratory disease died after taking excessive doses of cough syrup Dok 1 Max, manufactured by Marion Biotech. Experts say that cough syrups sometimes contain "unacceptable levels" of Di<keyword id="7488410" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ethylene-glycol" source="Orion">ethylene Glycol</keyword> and Ethylene Glycol. The syrup becomes harmful if there is even a slight difference in their quantity. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/urgent-need-to-develop-antibiotics-for-newborns-say-global-experts/articleshow/96592721.cms">Urgent need to develop antibiotics for newborns say global experts</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/nirmala-sitharaman-discharged-from-aiims/articleshow/96598659.cms">Nirmala Sitharaman discharged from AIIMS</a>

Indian drugmaker Marion Biotech halts manufacture of cough syrup, probe underway

<ul><li>Maiden Pharmaceutical Limited is the manufacturer licensed by the state drug controller for the products under reference. </li><li>It is a practice that the importing country tests the products for quality before sanctioning their usage there.</li><li>Four samples have been found to contain Diethylene Glycol/ Ethylene Glycol as indicated.</li></ul> A probe has been initiated by India's drug regulator after the <keyword id="6366244" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="who" source="Orion">WHO</keyword> issued an alert saying cough syrups manufactured by an Indian firm could potentially be linked to the death of children in The <keyword id="162357" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gambia" source="Orion">Gambia</keyword>, official sources said. The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday warned that four "contaminated" and "substandard" cough syrups allegedly produced by <keyword id="15173890" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maiden-Pharmaceuticals-Limited" source="Orion">Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited</keyword> based in Haryana's Sonepat could be the reason for the deaths in the West African nation. The sources said the exact "one-to-one causal relation of death" has neither been provided by the <keyword id="10118578" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="United-Nations-Health-Agency" source="Orion">United Nations Health Agency</keyword> nor the details of labels and products been shared by it with the <keyword id="170943" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Central-Drugs-Standard-Control-Organisation" source="Orion">Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation</keyword> (CDSCO), enabling it to confirm the identity or source of the manufacturing of the products. "Based on available information, the CDSCO has already taken up an urgent investigation into the matter with regulatory authorities in Haryana. "While all required steps will be taken, as a robust regulatory authority, the WHO has been requested to share with CDSCO at the earliest the report on the establishment of a causal relation to the deaths with the medical products in question, photographs of labels/products etc," the sources said. According to the sources, the WHO had on September 29 informed the Drugs Controller General of India that it was providing technical assistance and advice to The Gambia. It had highlighted that a significant contributing factor to the deaths was suspected to be the use of medicines which may have been contaminated with Diethylene Glycol/Ethylene Glycol, and said its presence had been confirmed in some of the samples it tested. The CDSCO said it responded to the WHO within an hour-and-a-half after receiving intimation, by taking up the matter with the state regulatory authority. A detailed investigation was launched to ascertain the facts and details into the matter in collaboration with Haryana State Drugs Controller, the source explained. From the preliminary inquiry, it has been made out that Maiden Pharmaceutical Limited is the manufacturer licensed by the state drug controller for the products under reference, and holds manufacturing permission for these products. "The company has manufactured and exported these products only to The Gambia so far," the source said. It is a practice that the importing country tests the products for quality before sanctioning their usage there. As per the tentative results received by WHO out of the 23 samples tested, four samples have been found to contain Diethylene Glycol/ Ethylene Glycol as indicated. It has also been informed by WHO that the certificate of analysis will be made available to it in near future and WHO will share it with India. "At the same time, the exact one-to-one causal relation of death has not yet been provided by WHO, nor have the details of labels/ products been shared by WHO with CDSCO enabling it to confirm the identity/ source of the manufacturing of the products," the official source stated. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indias-service-sector-activity-falls-to-6-month-low-in-sep-amid-inflation-competition-pmi/articleshow/94675187.cms">India's service sector activity falls to 6-month low in Sep amid inflation, competition: PMI</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/taj-mahal-will-be-open-for-night-viewing-during-sharad-purnima-for-four-nights/articleshow/94672935.cms">Taj Mahal will be open for night viewing during 'Sharad Purnima' for four nights</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/rupee-falls-4-paise-to-81-66-against-us-dollar-in-early-trade/articleshow/94672726.cms">Rupee falls 4 paise to 81.66 against US dollar in early trade</a>

Indian drug regulator kicks off probe on cough syrup linked to deaths of Gambian children

The <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword> on Thursday warned against the use of two Indian cough syrups for children that have been linked to deaths in <keyword id="108488" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="uzbekistan" source="Orion">Uzbekistan</keyword>. The WHO said the products, manufactured by <keyword id="15908017" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="marion-biotech" source="Orion">Marion Biotech</keyword>, were "substandard" and that the firm had failed to provide guarantees about their safety, the <keyword id="60684" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bbc" source="Orion">BBC</keyword> reported. The alert comes weeks after Uzbekistan alleged that 18 children died after consuming a syrup made by the company. The firm has not yet commented on the alert. After the deaths were reported in Uzbekistan, India's Health Ministry suspended production at the company. This week, the food safety department in Uttar Pradesh, where Marion Biotech is based, also suspended the company's production licence. In the alert issued on Thursday, the WHO said that an analysis of the two cough syrups - Ambronol and Dok-1 <keyword id="26842" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="max" source="Orion">Max</keyword> - by the quality control laboratories of Uzbekistan's Health Ministry found unacceptable amounts of two contaminants - "diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol", the BBC reported. Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans and could be fatal if consumed. "Both of these products may have marketing authorizations in other countries in the region. They may also have been distributed, through informal markets, to other countries or regions," the global health body said. It added that "the substandard products" were "unsafe and their use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death", BBC reported. India is known as the "world's pharmacy" as it produces a third of the world's medicines, meeting much of the medical needs of developing countries. The country is also home to some of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/nine-in-10-adults-from-india-us-admit-to-cyberbullying-royal-melbourne-institute-study/articleshow/96933109.cms">Nine in 10 adults from India, US admit to cyberbullying: Royal Melbourne Institute study</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/world-is-in-a-state-of-crisis-difficult-to-predict-how-long-it-will-last-modi/articleshow/96934401.cms">World is in a state of crisis, difficult to predict how long it will last: Modi</a>

WHO alert against use of Indian cough syrups in Uzbekistan

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A North Dakota man died of poisoning after meeting a lawyer to confirm his inheritance, police said.</li><li>His girlfriend has been charged with his murder, and is accused of serving him antifreeze.</li></ul>A North Dakota woman was charged with murder on Monday and accused of poisoning her boyfriend with antifreeze after learning he may have stood to inherit $30 million.Ina Thea Kenoyer, 47, is accused of killing Steven Edward Riley, 51, who died on September 5 at a hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota, according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/minotpd/posts/633986248904565">Minot City Police Department.</a>An autopsy showed that the cause of death was poisoning, police said, adding that officials believe Kenoyer "had financial motives to murder Riley."Kenoyer is being held at the Ward County Jail in Minot, the police statement added.Riley was found unresponsive on September 4, the day before he died, after emergency services were called to the couple's home, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/31/us/north-dakota-poisoning-murder.html">The New York Times reported</a>, citing an affidavit filed by a Minot PD officer.He was taken to an emergency room and then transferred to the hospital in Bismarck, where he later died, per The Times.The coroner found that he'd died of poisoning from ethylene glycol, which is found in antifreeze, The Times reported.Investigators said Kenoyer had grown upset that Riley was set to receive an inheritance of around $30 million but wanted to leave her, according to the outlet.He had traveled to an airport with Kenoyer and several friends to meet a lawyer and discuss his inheritance on September 3, per the outlet. Riley fell sick on this trip and said he felt drunk, per The Times.But when his friend suggested he seek medical help, Kenoyer "was adamant" that he was suffering from heat stroke and just needed to return home and rest, the affidavit said, according to the outlet.Kenoyer told officers that Riley had been drinking heavily and suffered from heat stroke, but a toxicology report determined that Riley had no alcohol in his system when he died, according to The Times.Officials searching the couple's home also found a Windex window cleaner bottle, a Coors Light beer bottle, and a plastic mug that were suspected to contain antifreeze, per the outlet.Detectives said Kenoyer acknowledged that she had served sweet tea to Riley on the day he fell ill, with the affidavit noting that sweet drinks can be effective at disguising antifreeze, according to The Times.Kenoyer only called for medical help after Riley was ill for about 12 hours at home, and later told detectives that some of his inheritance was hers because she was his "common law" wife, per The Times, citing the affidavit.She explained to investigators that she had been dating Riley for a decade, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/north-dakota-poison-murder-ina-kenoyer-allegedly-killed-boyfriend-steven-riley/">CBS News,</a> which also obtained the affidavit.However, when detectives told Kenoyer that such common law marriages are not recognized in North Dakota, she became "incensed," the affidavit said, per CBS.Kenoyer has been charged with a class AA felony murder, the most severe murder charge in the state, and faces life in prison.

A North Dakota woman was accused of fatally poisoning her boyfriend with antifreeze to claim a $30 million inheritance

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Seventy children died in Gambia, and their deaths have been linked to contaminated cough syrup.</li><li>The victims' families were offered a combined $20,000 in compensation, or about $285 per victim.</li></ul>The families of 70 deceased Gambian children — whose deaths are believed to be linked to consuming cough syrup imported from India — were offered a combined $20,000 in compensation, the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-africa-62845587?ns_mchannel=social&amp;ns_source=twitter&amp;ns_campaign=bbc_live&amp;ns_linkname=6368ecce49d9ef23494b98d0%26Gambia%20families%20reject%20%2420%2C000%20for%20cough%20syrup%20deaths%262022-11-07T13%3A11%3A28.704Z&amp;ns_fee=0&amp;pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:87309ef4-be69-4711-b51a-c36e5a3062ee&amp;pinned_post_asset_id=6368ecce49d9ef23494b98d0&amp;pinned_post_type=share">BBC</a> reported. This amounts to about $285 per victim.Ebrima Sanyang, the chairperson of the grieving families, told the BBC the money was "an insult to the victims," and the families have rejected the offer. Taking the money would mean that they were not fighting for justice for their children, he said.The West African state is probing a slew of child deaths that have occurred over the past months, Adama Barrow, the president of Gambia, said in a <a href="https://www.op.gov.gm/sites/default/files/articles/H.E%20Statement%20-%20ACUTE%20KIDNEY%20INJURY%20OUTBREAK%20100922.pdf">statement</a> in early October.Beginning in July, the country's Ministry of Health "detected an unusual rise in the number of cases of diarrhea and vomiting among children under the age of five," Barrow said. Many of those children would go on to develop Acute Kidney Injuries, or AKI's, that resulted in their deaths.Preliminary investigations indicate that the deaths are linked to the consumption of four cough syrups that were made in India, the Gambian police said in a report in mid-October, per <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/gambia-police-link-child-deaths-cough-syrup-imported-by-us-firm-2022-10-11/">Reuters</a>.The World Health Organization, or WHO, is working with the Gambian government in the investigation. The organization issued a <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/05-10-2022-medical-product-alert-n-6-2022-substandard-(contaminated)-paediatric-medicines">health alert</a> after it found the four cough products contain "unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants."According to the WHO statement, consumption of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol can prove fatal. Effects include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and "acute kidney injury which may lead to death."The organization listed India-based company Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited as the manufacturer. Maiden Pharmaceuticals did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India released a <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1865655">statement</a> saying that while the four drugs Maiden Pharmaceuticals produced "are not licensed for manufacture and sale in India," the company has permission to manufacture them "for export only."Since October, 41,500 out of 50,000 bottles of contaminated cough syrup have been recalled, but the rest are still unaccounted for, the Gambian police told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/world/asia/india-gambia-cough-syrup.html">The New York Times</a> in early November.The country's Medicines Control Agency — a national regulatory institution — has not been able to definitively conclude that the cough syrups were the culprit, Tijan Jallow, an official, said at a news conference on October 31, per <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/gambia-says-it-has-not-yet-confirmed-cough-syrup-cause-child-deaths-2022-10-31/">Reuters</a>. The country is still in the process of trying to establish what each child took, he added. The Medicines Control Agency and the Gambian police did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.

Gambia offered $285 to the families of 70 children whose deaths have been linked to contaminated cough syrup. The families say the offer is 'an insult to the victims.'

<ul><li>Neoplants has genetically modified a plant to do the work of 30 air purifiers.</li><li>The Neoplants have been modified at the DNA level to produce new enzymes that can metabolize air pollutants.</li><li>The Neo P1 will be available for $179.</li></ul>A Paris-based startup ‘Neoplants’ has genetically modified a plant to do the work of 30 air purifiers. Neoplants, genetically engineered pothos (Epipremnum aureum) plant, and its associated root microbiome. The company’s first plant- Neo P1, works in hand with the <a href="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/y50klc11/staging/90a83797763b9dc7a054ea6587a46d38cb08dcbf.pdf">Neoplants</a>’ microbiome located in the soil near the plant roots. This is not the first time when the plant is being used as an air purifier. In 1989, <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930073077">NASA </a>launched a research project to study biological life support systems for space travel. The study suggested that various plants and their associated microorganisms have interesting <keyword id="28962" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="volatile-organic-compounds" source="Orion">Volatile Organic Compounds</keyword> (VOC) removal properties. NASA didn’t find a way to recycle VOCs, but Neoplants is able to turn VOCs into the water, sugars, amino acids, and oxygen, which makes them capable of purifying air, <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How do Neoplants work?" comment="subhead" text="How do Neoplants work?">How do Neoplants work?</cmsannotation> Neoplants specifically target a group of indoor air pollutants - benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, and other volatile organic compounds, traditional air purifiers can’t efficiently capture that. The trouble is that most of the VOCs are very tiny molecules, making them difficult to remove from indoor air with regular air purifiers. Even if an air purifier somehow manages to filter the tiny molecules, they will be simply re-released by the air purifier in a different location rather than eliminating and neutralizing them completely. The Neoplants have been modified at the DNA level to produce new enzymes that can metabolize air pollutants. For instance, Neoplants- Neo P1 turns formaldehyde into fructose and BTEX compounds into amino acids that plants can later use to produce proteins. <div type="image" title="Neoplants" msid="95507168" hostid="261" sizebytes="30326"></div> The process took four years of near-constant work, but in the end, the researchers created a plant that can metabolize four major indoor air pollutants, including toluene and formaldehyde. The bio-engineered plant can even absorb certain VOCs, like benzene and carcinogen, that is present in wildfire smoke. The real breakthrough came from modifying the microorganisms present in plants' roots. The researchers inserted genes from extremophile bacteria, which survive in the environment by eating toxic chemicals. This modification boosted the plant’s pollutant-metabolizing capacity. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What’s next?" comment="subhead" text="What’s next?">What’s next?</cmsannotation> Right now, the <keyword id="15513931" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="neoplant" source="Orion">Neoplant</keyword> is a bit pricey. The Neo P1 will cost you $179, far more expensive than most typical house plants. Further, the company only has one type of plant- Neo P1 available right now. In the near future, Neoplants is looking to develop a greater variety of VOC-filtering plants. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/news/soon-you-might-be-able-to-touch-and-feel-the-online-products-through-your-smartphone/articleshow/94961160.cms">Soon you might be able to touch and feel online products through your smartphone</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/research/news/scientists-create-remote-controlled-cyborg-cockroaches-that-can-go-under-search-and-rescue-missions/articleshow/94022392.cms">Scientists create remote-controlled cyborg cockroaches that can go under search and rescue missions</a>

This bio-engineered houseplant claims to clean the air as efficiently as 30 air purifiers

<ul class="summary-list"><li>On February 3 a train derailment caused chemical spillage in East Palestine, Ohio. </li><li>The spill has already drawn online comparisons to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. </li></ul>Following the February 3 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, users on social media began sharing photos of an ominous black cloud hanging over the town — and fears that the disaster would become the new Chernobyl.A fire engulfed a Norfolk Southern train after 50 of its 150 cars derailed. The train carried 10 cars full of hazardous materials, including <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/vinyl-chloride" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vinyl chloride, a colorless gas</a> used in the creation of the plastic PVC, which <a href="https://www.cleveland19.com/2023/02/06/explainer-what-chemical-is-board-derailed-ohio-train-before-they-burn-it-off-controlled-release/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was released as a result of the derailment.</a> In sunlight, it can be broken down into <a href="https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/ff9d920b-59ae-43b0-a47e-5ec0ddc4606d/vinyl-chloride_20171211.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&amp;CONVERT_TO=url&amp;CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_M1HGGIK0N0JO00QO9DDDDM3000-ff9d920b-59ae-43b0-a47e-5ec0ddc4606d-mjHEm97" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemicals like formaldehyde.</a>Other flammable chemicals, like <a href="https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/3412" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ethylene glycol monobutyl ether</a>, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/140885.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ethylhexyl acrylate</a>, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0075.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">butyl acrylate</a>, and isobutylene were also present in the cars and released into the environment, according to a list <a href="https://response.epa.gov/sites/15933/files/TRAIN%2032N%20-%20EAST%20PALESTINE%20-%20derail%20list%20Norfolk%20Southern%20document.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compiled by the EPA.</a> Many of these chemicals are carcinogenic or potentially carcinogenic, or are considered respiratory and eye irritants. The toxicity of these chemicals initially prompted concerns about the health and safety of residents. Then came the <a href="https://twitter.com/ThePollLady/status/1624841041349148672?s=20&amp;t=wkY17arXNViQzG4YT7WJ1Q" target="_blank" rel="noopener">comparisons to</a> another disaster, one that happened nearly 40 years ago: The nuclear disaster in the city of Pripyat on April 26, 1986, which resulted in the spread of radioactive contaminants in Ukraine and across Europe.Although the intense imagery from Ohio might have onlookers believe the state has a mini Chernobyl on its hands, the scale of Chernobyl's destruction was much worse. However, the environmental impact of the East Palestine incident should not be ignored, <a href="https://www.cleveland19.com/2023/02/06/explainer-what-chemical-is-board-derailed-ohio-train-before-they-burn-it-off-controlled-release/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">experts say.</a> <h2>Chemicals released during both disasters were carcinogenic, but Chernobyl was radioactive</h2>The Chernobyl incident occurred after a <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/focus/chernobyl/faqs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">series of safety measures during a nuclear reactor test</a> were ignored, resulting in a huge explosion and fire that spread large amounts of radioactive chemicals like plutonium, iodine, strontium, and cesium. Although carcinogenic chemicals were found on the train in East Palestine, and <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/explosion-possible-wake-ohio-train-derailment-involving-hazardous-mate-rcna69243" target="_blank" rel="noopener">multiple small explosions occurred following the derailment</a>, many were <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/train-derails-flames-ohio-causes-half-town-evacuate/story?id=96892580" target="_blank" rel="noopener">burned in a controlled fashion</a> — which resulted in the large black cloud over the city. The chemicals in the East Palestine incident are also not as <a href="https://www.unscear.org/unscear/en/areas-of-work/chernobyl.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">potent as the nuclear waste</a> in Chernobyl.<h2>Nobody died as a result of the East Palestine chemical spill</h2>Two people died immediately following the explosion at Chernobyl. A month later, nearly 30 emergency workers died as a result of acute radiation sickness and one of cardiac arrest. Following the accident, it's estimated that thousands may have died as a result of cancers and blood diseases caused by chemical exposure from the Chernobyl power plant — although these <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/jan/10/chernobyl-nuclear-deaths-cancers-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">figures are still being disputed.</a>In East Palestine, no deaths have been reported as a result of the derailment or the following fires and explosions, although <a href="https://newrepublic.com/post/170570/life-ohio-train-derailment-trouble-breathing-dying-animals-saying-goodbye" target="_blank" rel="noopener">residents say they are experiencing</a> respiratory issues, sore throats, irritated eyes, headaches, and other ailments.Multiple class action <a href="https://www.insider.com/east-palestine-ohio-residents-sue-train-company-chemical-fire-2023-2">lawsuits have been filed against Norfolk Southern Railroad Company</a> following the derailment, with residents saying that the company should be responsible for the health effects to residents and the environment.<h2>There have been reports of a significant amount of animal deaths</h2>Following the controlled burn of chemicals to prevent a deadly explosion, residents say foxes, chickens, and other <a href="https://www.insider.com/animals-sick-dying-after-ohio-train-derailment-caused-chemical-leak-2023-2">domesticated animals have died.</a> There have also been approximately 3,500 dead fish counted in four nearby waterways, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources <a href="https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/east-palestine-train-derailment/odnr-estimates-3-500-fish-killed-by-east-palestine-train-derailment-spill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said Tuesday</a>.In Chernobyl, the effects on animal life have not been fully determined. The explosion had immediate effects on the health of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/oct/05/wildlife-thriving-around-chernobyl-nuclear-plant-despite-radiation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">animal populations</a> and many plants and animals mutated as a result of radioactive exposure, according to the <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/focus/chernobyl/faqs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Atomic Energy Agency.</a><h2>East Palestine resulted in an evacuation, but it was short-lived</h2>After the derailment, close to 2,000 residents in East Palestine were asked to evacuate.Prior to the controlled burn in the Ohio city, the <a href="https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/east-palestine-update-evacuation-area-extended-controlled-release-of-rail-car-contents-planned-for-3-30-pm-02062023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">evacuation area was extended</a> to a 2-mile-wide radius zone was established on February 6.On February 8, officials announced that <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/ohio-train-derailment-residents-forced-evacuate-allowed-return/story?id=96941403" target="_blank" rel="noopener">residents could return to their homes</a> after the <a href="https://response.epa.gov/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=15933" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EPA determined</a> that it did not detect contaminants at "levels of concern" in air and water samples. The Ohio EPA also announced that it would monitor soil for potential groundwater leeching of chemicals, <a href="https://www.wesa.fm/environment-energy/2023-02-09/residents-allowed-back-home-near-ohio-train-derailment-after-air-declared-safe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WESA reported.</a><h2>But Chernobyl is still considered uninhabitable</h2>The Chernobyl explosion contaminated 150,000 square kilometers in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine, and resulted in the evacuation of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-from-chernobyl-taken-by-people-who-live-there-2015-5" rel="">around 350,000 people</a> who had to leave all their belongings behind. A <a href="https://science.time.com/2013/11/04/urban-wastelands-the-worlds-10-most-polluted-places/slide/chernobyl-ukraine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">19-mile-radius nuclear exclusion zone</a> was established around the power plant that <a href="https://globalresilience.northeastern.edu/fourty-three-years-after-meltdown-in-chernobyl-social-and-economic-resilience-help-drive-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">still exists today.</a>During the war in Ukraine, Russian troops returned to the Chernobyl plant and began digging trenches around the area. Ukraine's state nuclear agency claimed in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russians-retreat-from-chernobyl-after-getting-sick-from-radiation-ukraine-2022-3">March that Russians suffered</a> "significant doses of radiation." Russian soldiers later left the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-the-destruction-russian-troops-left-behind-at-chernobyl-2022-6">plant in a state</a> of disarray, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-forces-left-excrement-chernobyl-nuclear-plant-retreated-ukrainian-workers-2022-6">Ukrainian workers said</a> in June.Hundreds of <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/jpa853/what-life-looks-like-for-people-living-in-chernobyls-nuclear-exclusion-zone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mostly elderly people</a> have also <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-daily-life-inside-chernobyls-exclusion-zone-is-really-like-2019-4">returned to the zone</a> — <a href="https://adventure.com/chernobly-exclusion-zone-tourism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">or never left</a> — to live the rest of their lives in their hometowns. "Those who left are worse off now," one woman <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/29/babushkas-of-chernobyl-film-nuclear-exclusion-zone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said in the documentary "Babushkas of Chernobyl." </a>"They are all dying of sadness."

Rural Ohio is facing comparisons to Chernobyl after a massive chemical leak caused by a train derailment. Here's what the disaster really has in common with the nuclear accident.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Some of the chemicals released in the <a href="https://www.insider.com/east-palestine-ohio-residents-sue-train-company-chemical-fire-2023-2">Ohio train derailment</a> are linked to cancer and other health problems.</li><li>Five cars contained vinyl chloride, a chemical used to make plastic products and a known human carcinogen.</li></ul>A train that <a href="https://www.insider.com/east-palestine-ohio-train-derailment-evacuation-zone-map-fire-explosion-2023-2">derailed</a> in Ohio contained several chemicals linked to cancer, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. On Sunday, the EPA updated its list of chemicals contained in the fiery train derailment, which occurred in East Palestine, Ohio, 50 miles outside Pittsburg on February 3. The chemicals include gases linked to cancer in manufacturing workers in <a href="https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/chemicals/benzene.html#:~:text=IARC%20classifies%20benzene%20as%20%E2%80%9Ccarcinogenic,%2C%20and%20non%2DHodgkin%20lymphoma.">several</a> <a href="https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp20-c1-b.pdf">studies</a>, and exposure to these chemicals may also cause short-term problems like dizziness, nausea, and irritation of the eyes and mouth. But the EPA does not know yet whether the amount of chemicals released in the derailment was enough to pose health risks, according to <a href="https://ceg.osu.edu/people/dannemiller.70" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karen Dannemiller</a>, an associate professor of environmental health science at Ohio State University. The EPA said on its website it has <a href="https://response.epa.gov/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=15933">not yet detected dangerous levels</a> of these chemicals in nearby homes, though some residents have reported <a href="https://www.insider.com/animals-sick-dying-after-ohio-train-derailment-caused-chemical-leak-2023-2">animals in the area</a> dying and experiencing potential signs of chemical exposure. Dannemiller said the agency is still in the "early part" of long-term risk assessment for this derailment, which includes measuring how many chemicals entered nearby soil and water. The EPA did not respond to Insider's inquiry into how long the assessment might take.Here are all the health risks associated with the chemicals contained in the Ohio train derailment:<h2>Vinyl chloride </h2>Of the cars that turned over, five contained vinyl chloride, a manmade chemical used to make plastic products. Manufacturers convert vinyl chloride to polyvinyl chloride, also called PVC or just vinyl, a hard plastic resin used to make things like pipes, packaging materials, and wire coatings, per the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/vinyl-chloride">National Institutes of Health</a>. The EPA classifies vinyl chloride as a <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-06/documents/oh_hh_b_432_11062000.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">known human carcinogen</a>. Inhaling the chemical has been shown to <a href="https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/vinyl-chloride.pdf">increase the risk</a> of angiosarcoma, a rare form of liver cancer, in humans and in animal studies, per the EPA.Vinyl chloride is a highly flammable colorless gas with a mild, sweet odor, which means people who breathe in the gas won't be aware of its toxicity.Short-term exposure to vinyl chloride can cause dizziness, drowsiness, loss of coordination, nausea, and a burning sensation in the arms and legs, per the <a href="https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/MMG/MMGDetails.aspx?mmgid=278&amp;toxid=51">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. Long-term exposure to higher concentrations of the gas can be deadly, as the fume can impair the central nervous system and cause depressed breathing, the CDC said.When vinyl chloride burns or breaks down in the air, it <a href="https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp20-c1-b.pdf">creates</a> <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/hydrochloric-acid.pdf">hydrochloric acid</a>, which can cause coughing, respiratory tract inflammation, chest pain, and fluid buildup in the lungs when inhaled.<h2>Benzene</h2>Two cars that derailed contained <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">benzene</a>, an industrial chemical found naturally in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Manufacturers frequently use it to make plastic, synthetic fibers, rubbers, detergents, and dyes, <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to the CDC</a>.Like vinyl chloride, the EPA classifies benzene as a known human carcinogen. Benzene has been in the news recently after several big cosmetic companies <a href="https://www.insider.com/fda-list-dry-shampoo-by-dove-suave-in-unilever-recall-2022-10">recalled dry shampoos</a> contaminated with the chemical. <a href="https://www.insider.com/fda-list-dry-shampoo-by-dove-suave-in-unilever-recall-2022-10">Several</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447593/">studies</a> have linked prolonged benzene exposure to higher rates of <a href="https://www.insider.com/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-symptoms-2018-11">non-Hodgkin lymphoma</a>, a cancer that starts in the white blood cells, and <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia#:~:text=Leukemia%20is%20a%20broad%20term,in%20children%20younger%20than%2015." target="_blank" rel="noopener">leukemia</a>, cancer in the blood cells. Cancer through benzene exposure primarily occurs in workers exposed to large amounts of the fume over time, often related to oil refining, chemical producing, or shoe-making.Breathing in high doses of benzene can also cause some short-term side effects like dizziness and confusion, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/leukemia/benzene-leukemia" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Healthline reports</a>.<h2>Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE)</h2>EGBE, also known as 2-butoxyethanol, is a colorless liquid found in paint strippers, thinners, and household cleaners, per the <a href="https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp118.pdf">CDC</a>. Most people are exposed to the chemical through breathing in vapors and touching the liquid. The CDC states continuous exposure to the chemical over several hours can cause irritation of the nose and eyes, headache, a metallic taste, or vomiting.<h2>Butyl acrylate</h2>Butyl acrylate is a clear, colorless liquid used in paints, coatings, caulks, sealants, adhesives, per the <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Butyl-acrylate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Library of Medicine</a>.The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/81-123/pdfs/0075.pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB81123">CDC</a> states acute exposure to butyl acrylate vapor can cause redness, tearing, and irritation of the eyes, a runny nose, difficulty breathing, and redness of the skin. Chronic skin exposure can cause swelling, itching, and oozing in the affected areas. <h2>Ethylhexyl acrylate</h2>Manufacturers use ethylhexyl acrylate, a colorless liquid, to make latex, paints, leather finishes, and coatings for paper, per the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507491/">NIH</a>. Over exposure to the chemical can cause irritation and drowsiness if inhaled, and throat and mouth irritation if swallowed, according to the chemical distribution company <a href="https://www.fishersci.com/store/msds?partNumber=AC410110010&amp;productDescription=ethylhexyl-acrylate--stabilized-thermo-scientifictrade&amp;vendorId=VN00032119&amp;keyword=true&amp;countryCode=US&amp;language=en">ThermoFisher Scientific</a>.<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-vinyl-chloride-what-other-chemicals-were-on-train-derailed-east-palestine-ohio/">Some</a> <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/now/were-more-toxic-chemicals-train-222315612.html">news</a> <a href="https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/east-palestine-train-derailment/3-additional-chemicals-discovered-on-east-palestine-train-derailment/">reports</a> have confused ethylhexyl acrylate with the compound <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/ethyl-acrylate.pdf">ethyl acrylate</a>, which is a probable carcinogen. Dannemiller said she is unaware of any data that links cancer to ethylhexyl acrylate, and the NIH <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2-Ethylhexyl-acrylate#section=NIOSH-Toxicity-Data">does not</a> list the chemical as a carcinogen.<h2>Isobutylene</h2>Isobutylene is a colorless gas with a faint petroleum-like odor used in making tires, chewing gum, window seals, and food wrap, according to <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/did-you-know/i-keep-hearing-isobutylene-newswhat-heck-it" target="_blank" rel="noopener">McGill University</a>.Isobutylene is highly flammable, per McGill: if an ignition source is present and the temperature is above 80 degrees Celsius, the gas can spark flames. Isobutylene was the source of a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-texas-energy-fire/texas-chemical-plant-fire-kills-one-injures-two-idUSKCN1RE2JS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">major chemical plant fire</a> in 2019 that killed one employee. Inhaling isobutylene can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and unconsciousness, per the <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Isobutylene#section=Health-Hazards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NIH</a>.

The potentially toxic chemicals released in the Ohio train derailment and how they affect human health

New Delhi, Dec 12 () The government may impose anti dumping duty on a chemical used in polyester fibres and films, imported from five countries as the commerce ministry has launched an investigation for the same.
 The ministry's investigation arm DGTR has initiated the probe into an alleged dumping of "Mono Ethylene Glycol" originating in or exported from Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Singapore, following a complaint from a domestic company.
 Reliance industries Ltd has filed an application on behalf of domestic industry before the DGTR for initiation of the investigation.
 According to a notification of the Directorate general of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the company has requested for imposition of anti-dumping duties on the imports.
 India Glycols Limited has also supported the application.
 It said that the authority has prima facie found that there is sufficient evidence of dumping of the chemical from these countries.
 "The Authority hereby initiates an investigation into the alleged dumping and consequent injury to the domestic industry," it said.
 In the probe it would determine the existence, degree and effect of alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry.
 If established that dumping has caused material injury to domestic industry, the directorate would recommend the amount of anti-dumping duty.
 The period of investigation is January - September 2019. It would also look at the data of 2016-19.
 Countries carry out anti-dumping probe to determine whether their domestic industries have been hurt because of a surge in cheap imports.
 As a counter measure, they impose duties under the multilateral regime of the World Trade Organization.
 The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trade practices and creating a level-playing field for domestic producers. RR SHW MR
MR

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