Glycol Poisoning
Cough syrup (Coldbest PC) manufactured by a Himachal Pradesh-based company was found to contain diethylene glycol. The syrup is alleged to be the reason behind the 11 deaths in J&K.
- Symptoms of Glycol Poisoning:
Glycol is toxic to humans and other animals. Symptoms of glycol poisoning includes abdominal pain, intoxication, vomiting, headaches, seizures, decrease in consciousness, etc. Complications from glycol poisoning includes kidney failure and brain damage. Acute kidney failure had occurred in the Udhampur victims.
- Uses of Glycol:
Ethylene Glycol is an organic compound that is sweet-tasting and odourless in nature. It is mainly used in antifreeze formulations and as raw material for polyester fibre manufacturing. It is used in antifreeze for automobiles, as a heat transfer agent in liquid-cooled computers and automobiles, precursor to polymers like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.
- Functions of CDSCO:
CDSCO or Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is a national regulatory authority under the union ministry of health and family welfare. Its functions include:
- Regulation of drug imports
- Approval of new drugs and clinical trials
- Acts as Central License Approving Authority- approves certain licenses
- Meetings of Drugs Technical Advisory Board and Drugs Consultative Committee
