The Government of Canada is out with a safety alert advising COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits come with the potential exposure to hazardous substances. .The advisory comes after approximately 50 calls to poison centres in Canada related to the exposure of materials contained in the test kits resulting in “minor health outcomes.”.“Following an increase in reports to poison control centres, Health Canada is advising Canadians about potential risks associated with the misuse or accidental ingestion or spillage of COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit solutions on the skin,” said the advisory..“Health Canada has determined that the kits are safe and effective when used as intended. However, many test kits include liquid solutions with chemical preservatives, such as sodium azide and Proclin that may be poisonous if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, particularly in children and pets.”.“Accidental ingestion or skin exposure to very small quantities of liquid solutions would not be expected to cause the serious effects associated with larger doses. However, even small quantities may cause effects in small children and pets.”.Health Canada warns rapid antigen test kits and the solutions included should be kept out of reach of children and pets. If the solution comes in contact with eyes or skin, wash thoroughly and contact a local Poison Information Centre in cases of accidental ingestion or direct skin exposure..In early January, the Western Standardreported COVID-19 rapid tests were labelled for use by a medical expert and not for use at home. This caused concern for a Fort McMurray woman after she read the package insert..The insert stated not only should the kits not be used at home, but the device should be “handled as a potential biohazard.”.COVID-19 rapid testing kits have been widely distributed across Alberta for self-use including in workplaces and schools..“While these kits are safe, effective, and beneficial for self-testing, the product labelling and instructions may not describe or disclose the risks associated with misuse or accidental ingestion,” said Health Canada..“Health Canada said the advisory is “intended to help fill the labelling gap” and is “advising Canadians on a precautionary basis to help mitigate the risks associated with misuse, accidental ingestion or skin exposure.”.Alberta Health said when the rapid tests are used as intended, they are a safe and effective way to test for COVID-19..“To date, over 30.4 million rapid tests have been distributed to Albertans,” said Lisa Glover, assistant director with Alberta Health, in a statement to the Western Standard..“Product labelling on rapid test kits may not describe or disclose the risks associated with misuse or accidental ingestion,” said Glover pointing to Health Canada’s advisory for more information..“In the very rare instance of ingestion or contact with skin, follow instructions on the kits and contact the Poison and Drug Information Service (PADIS) at 1-800-332-1414 or call 911 in the event of an emergency,” said Glover..Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
The Government of Canada is out with a safety alert advising COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits come with the potential exposure to hazardous substances. .The advisory comes after approximately 50 calls to poison centres in Canada related to the exposure of materials contained in the test kits resulting in “minor health outcomes.”.“Following an increase in reports to poison control centres, Health Canada is advising Canadians about potential risks associated with the misuse or accidental ingestion or spillage of COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit solutions on the skin,” said the advisory..“Health Canada has determined that the kits are safe and effective when used as intended. However, many test kits include liquid solutions with chemical preservatives, such as sodium azide and Proclin that may be poisonous if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, particularly in children and pets.”.“Accidental ingestion or skin exposure to very small quantities of liquid solutions would not be expected to cause the serious effects associated with larger doses. However, even small quantities may cause effects in small children and pets.”.Health Canada warns rapid antigen test kits and the solutions included should be kept out of reach of children and pets. If the solution comes in contact with eyes or skin, wash thoroughly and contact a local Poison Information Centre in cases of accidental ingestion or direct skin exposure..In early January, the Western Standardreported COVID-19 rapid tests were labelled for use by a medical expert and not for use at home. This caused concern for a Fort McMurray woman after she read the package insert..The insert stated not only should the kits not be used at home, but the device should be “handled as a potential biohazard.”.COVID-19 rapid testing kits have been widely distributed across Alberta for self-use including in workplaces and schools..“While these kits are safe, effective, and beneficial for self-testing, the product labelling and instructions may not describe or disclose the risks associated with misuse or accidental ingestion,” said Health Canada..“Health Canada said the advisory is “intended to help fill the labelling gap” and is “advising Canadians on a precautionary basis to help mitigate the risks associated with misuse, accidental ingestion or skin exposure.”.Alberta Health said when the rapid tests are used as intended, they are a safe and effective way to test for COVID-19..“To date, over 30.4 million rapid tests have been distributed to Albertans,” said Lisa Glover, assistant director with Alberta Health, in a statement to the Western Standard..“Product labelling on rapid test kits may not describe or disclose the risks associated with misuse or accidental ingestion,” said Glover pointing to Health Canada’s advisory for more information..“In the very rare instance of ingestion or contact with skin, follow instructions on the kits and contact the Poison and Drug Information Service (PADIS) at 1-800-332-1414 or call 911 in the event of an emergency,” said Glover..Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
