As news emerged on Friday last that an approved alcohol based hand sanitiser, ViraPro, which was been widely used in schools, had been recalled by the HSE due to the possible detrimental health reactions, it has been confirmed by an Athlone businessman working within the realm of disinfection, that a self-penned letter detailing concerns relating to such an occurrence was issued to the Minister for Education, Deputy Norma Foley, in August.
The HSE confirmed that it had ordered €7.5m worth of ViraPro hand sanitiser which has subsequently been recalled from use. While no known adverse health reactions have been reported to date, it is alleged that prolonged use of the product "may cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation and headaches"
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Kiltoom resident, Ciaran Mannion of EC Disinfection Systems, noted his detailed letter in which he expressed serious apprehensions pertaining to the use of alcohol based hand sanitisers within the school environment.
Within the letter Mr Mannion reflected upon the detailed PPE guidance list provided to all schools by the Department of Education procurement team.
"This is a very comprehensive list covering many items and suppliers which must have been difficult for them to compile in such a short time. I am concerned about the hand sanitiser supply details. Many of the products listed state to keep out of the reach of children, can cause serious eye injury, may affect those with respiratory issues and maybe very flammable or contribute to making other materials flammable. This is mostly the alcohol-based products. However, some of the non-alcohol-based products have long contact times against enveloped viruses of up to 10 minutes which is probably not ideal in a school setting.
"The WHO emergency guidance on ‘alcohol use’ has led to many poor products and misinformation. Also, Enterprise Ireland and others have rushed other products to market with little attention to efficacy and safety issues for children. Pupils and staff lives are at risk," Mr Mannion commented.
The Athlone businessman further noted personal reasons for his expression of grave concern regarding the provision of defective hand sanitiser for use.
"I have two sons who will be working hospital emergency rooms this winter, a daughter teaching PE to 700 boys and a son doing leaving certificate. I have selfish reasons too for being passionate about this.
"There are many excellent solutions for schools that fall outside current Department of Agriculture’s Biocides list such as the one used by the COVID control team at Beaumont Hospital which while highly effective and inexpensive is not being shared for wider use.
"Could you request the procurement team obtain the efficacy tests from independent labs for the hand sanitisers they are recommending and make this available to all schools?," Mr Mannion queried.
With responsibility for biocides, Mr Mannion is of the view that Department of Agriculture representation is now a must on NPHET and states that it is a "misnomer that only alcohol based hand sanitisers are effective against the spread of the virus."
