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The public has been advised to stop using all Virapro brand medical devices after it became known that several are not licensed for use in the state.
The Agriculture Department made the announcement late Friday night, the day after a specific hand sanitizer made by the company was recalled for health reasons.
The product, Virapro Hand Sanitiser (PCS 100409), has been used in many schools by students and staff.
The department warned that prolonged use of the disinfectant can cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory irritation, and headaches.
Removed the product from the Biocidal Products Registry due to public health concerns.
On Thursday, the department said not to use the disinfectant as it contains methanol instead of ethanol. On Friday night, he said, in the course of the hand sanitizer investigation, it emerged that several other Virapro-brand sanitary products were not on its approved list of biocides.
“The company in question has been advised to withdraw all these products from the market,” said a statement from the department.
“Therefore, the department advises, on a preventive basis, that all medical devices in the Virapro range should be returned to the supplier.
“The public is encouraged to stop using these products because they are not authorized for use.”
The department said that all products containing biocides must have specific information and data on the labels.
Schools closed
Several schools were forced to close their doors on Friday amid the hand sanitizer scare.
St Patrick’s Boys National School in Drumcondra and Gaelscoil Ros Eo in Rush were among the schools that closed for the day.
Teacher Anne Looney, the principal of St Patrick’s Boys School, said students were disappointed that Friday was costume day.
She told RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne show that she searched online stores to buy sanitizer Thursday night.
“I knew that local schools could probably help,” he added.
“They had been in contact this morning but there was too much uncertainty and it was actually a dress-up day at school so there was a slightly higher level of risk and the importance of having the disinfectant in place for all the children and all staff. member coming in, so getting that certainty, we couldn’t give that. “
Dr Paddy Mallon, infectious disease consultant at St Vincent Hospital in Dublin, said the incident was “shocking”.
“Whether it’s schools or hospitals, everyone has been struggling to access enough supplies of what we need, but that has improved over time,” he added.
“We need to recognize that we need to focus on safety, but also on the importance of sanitizer and hand washing.
“It is an unfortunate setback that has had a severe impact on schools.
“Most hand sanitizers do not contain this particular type of alcohol.
“We need to remain diligent and frequent users of hand sanitizers because it is key to protecting ourselves.” – PA
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