Diethylene Glycol Latest News
At least 14 children in India's Madhya Pradesh died after consuming Coldrif syrup, found to contain a toxic contaminant, diethylene glycol (DEG).
About Diethylene Glycol
- Diethylene glycol (also known as 2,2-oxydiethanol and diglycol) is a clear, colourless, odourless liquid with the formula C4H10O3.
- It is soluble both in water and in many organic compounds and has hygroscopic properties which makes it a useful industrial chemical.
- It is primarily used in industrial applications such as antifreeze, brake fluids, and solvents.Â
- It is not intended for human consumption.Â
- When ingested, DEG is metabolised in the body into toxic compounds that can cause severe kidney damage, leading to acute kidney injury, anuria (inability to urinate), and death.Â
- Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy, often progressing rapidly to renal failure.
Source: TOI
Diethylene Glycol FAQs
Q1: What is Diethylene Glycol (DEG)?
Ans: Diethylene glycol (also known as 2,2-oxydiethanol and diglycol) is a clear, colourless, odourless liquid with the formula C4H10O3.
Q2: Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is primarily used in which industry?
Ans: It is primarily used in industrial applications such as antifreeze, brake fluids, and solvents.
Q3: What happens when Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is ingested by humans?
Ans: It is metabolised into toxic compounds that cause severe kidney damage.
