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The Department of Agriculture has recalled an approved hand sanitizer that was widely used in schools.
The recall of the ViraPro Hand Sanitiser was confirmed to RTÉ News last night and the department said it was removed from the Biocidal Products Register due to potential public health concerns.
The Education Department said schools that use the disinfectant can close today if they want to.
It was learned that the product’s approval was revoked on Tuesday, but it wasn’t announced until last night.
According to the Department of Agriculture’s Biocidal Products Registry, the hand sanitizer should have been “withdrawn from use” on Tuesday.
The Department of Agriculture said that ViraPro PCS 100409 was recalled because prolonged use “can cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory irritation and headaches.”
It is understood that the product may contain methanol instead of ethanol.
The Department of Agriculture has advised people to stop using the disinfectant.
He said additional funds will be provided to schools to purchase supplies from an alternative vendor.
The disinfectant was also used in some medical facilities, such as GP offices, and was sold at various outlets.
So far, the company has not responded to requests for comment.
Schools across the country are phasing out hand sanitizer this morning.
Our Lady Immaculate Senior School in Darndale is one of several schools that has been using the product.
Principal Derry Amphlett said he will be removed from the school, but neither students nor staff have reported any ill effects.
A high school in the Midlands said it has been using the product at the entrance of the building, but no students have reported ill effects.
A principal at another high school said she has been at the school since early this morning putting up posters advising students not to use the product.
It is not known how many schools have been using the hand sanitizer in question, but it is known to have been widely used.
Additional reports Emma O Kelly
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