Health Canada has warned Canadians about the risks associated with incorrectly using hand sanitizers, disinfectants, bleach and other cleaning products.
The agency said that, between February and March, poison centres across the country have seen a 58% rise in poisonings from such products.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increased demand for, and use of, these products,” Health Canada explained.
“However, there have been several reports of unintentional poisonings from their improper use.”
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Health Canada has urged people to always read product labels and follow directions.
The agency also advised people to:
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Limit the spread of COVID-19 by washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If this is not possible, use a hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol, that has been authorized by Health Canada
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Check whether a product and its claims have been authorized for sale by Health Canada.
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Remember that authorized hand sanitizers have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN or Natural Product Number (NPN on the label and are listed on the List of Hand Sanitizers Authorized by Health Canada
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Remember that authorized hard-surface disinfectants will have an eight-digit DIN on the label and are listed on the Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
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Never drink or inject any disinfectant products and always keep them out of the reach of children
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Do the following if you or someone else has been in contact with any of these household products and you think there is a risk of harm:
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Call a Poison Centre or your health care provider right away
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Have the product label handy to provide its information to the person who answers the phone
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Bring the original product container with you when you go for help.
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Report the incident to Health Canada
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Regarding bleach, the agency explained that it “can irritate or burn your skin, eyes or lungs if not handled safely.”
It added: “Bleach products should never be mixed with other cleaning products, especially glass cleaners, and products containing ammonia or acids, such as vinegar. Mixing bleach and ammonia or other chemicals can produce toxic gases.”
Read more here.
