A test set COVID-19 At home, it usually includes a sample tube, tube stopper, test tray, sampling strip and test extraction solution.
According to reports compiled from several US states, the test solution in the test extraction tube contains sodium azide – a substance that can cause poisoning.
How dangerous are home test kits?
According to a report by United States of America Today Posted, in late February, the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (USA) Center for Drug and Toxicology Information noted that some children ingested chemicals in extraction vials in COVID-19 rapid test kits. Some people confuse these bottles with eye drops and use them in the eyes and nose, causing irritation or burning. Small children can accidentally swallow the contents of the bottle, but no cases of dangerous complications have been reported.
The test extract should be avoided or accidentally swallowed by children. Illustration
Experts say sodium azide is a colorless, tasteless and odorless chemical, mainly used in car emergency airbags and as a disinfectant and preservative in hospitals. In the COVID-19 test kit, it is these chemicals that trigger chemical reactions, helping to detect the presence of the virus.
What happens if you ingest this chemical?
Even if the test kit has clear instructions on how to use it, there is still the possibility that someone might accidentally spill the solution, get on the skin, or ingest the toxic chemicals it contains. According to experts, sodium azide is a toxic chemical and even very low doses can produce toxicity. Even a small amount of this substance on the skin can cause skin irritation. A burning sensation in the eyes or nose is also common after exposure to this chemical. Swallowing it can cause dizziness, headaches, palpitations, and low blood pressure.
What should you do if you are exposed to chemicals?
Don’t be subjective if you see warning symptoms after using the home test kit. This is a situation that requires immediate medical intervention. If your eyes, skin or nose are irritated after using the test kit, rinse thoroughly within 15 to 20 minutes with warm water. A dangerous case is that if swallowed in large quantities, it can cause dangerous complications. However, according to experts, COVID-19 rapid test kits do not contain enough sodium azide to cause serious complications.
Notes
Even though at-home COVID-19 test kits contain only a small amount of harmful chemicals, they shouldn’t be subjective. According to reports, cases of poisoning from test kits are on the rise in the US. In some other countries, there are no specific reports of cases of this poisoning but it should be used with caution.
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