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Health Canada has issued an advisory warning of the potential risk of rapid antigen test kits after about 50 calls were made to poison control centres in Canada regarding "accidental exposure" causing minor health issues.
"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," the advisory states.
The kits — which have been widely distributed at grocery and drug stores in Ontario in recent weeks — are safe and effective when used as intended, the agency advises.
However, many test kits include liquid solutions with chemical preservatives, including sodium azide and Proclin, that may be poisonous if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, particularly in children and pets, according to the advisory. Small doses of sodium azide can lower blood pressure, and larger doses may cause more serious health effects.
"Proclin is also found in many kits. It contains chemicals that can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as allergic reactions. 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 is advising Canadians to help mitigate the risks associated with misuse, accidental ingestion or skin exposure.
- Keep rapid antigen test kits and solutions out of the reach of children and pets.
- Do not swallow the solutions, and avoid eye and skin contact.
- Wash hands thoroughly after use.
- If spillage occurs, rinse well with water.
- Follow all instructions for proper disposal.
- Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.
- Contact your local Poison Information Centre in cases of accidental ingestion of chemicals or direct skin exposure.
