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RIP Eduardo Arias (2007 Whistleblower)


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RIP Eduardo Arias (2007 Whistleblower)

Eduardo Arias passed away on August 1st, 2020. While his name probably means nothing to you, he is proof that one man can make a difference.

A Kuna native from the San Blas islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama, Arias bought a tube of toothpaste from the Vendela Discount Store in Panama City on May 5, 2007. He decided the toothpaste didn't taste right and reported it to authorities. After testing, it was determined the toothpaste contained toxic levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) that had recently caused deaths as an ingredient in cough syrup. On May 10th, Dr. Camilo Alleyne, the top Panamanian health official, announced the findings, which caused a national uproar that launched an investigation, the results of which determined that the People's Republic of China (PRC) manufacturers were systematically using DEG as a thickening agent in toothpaste in place of the commonly-used glycerin which was more expensive. The levels of DEG far exceeded the levels deemed safe.

Despite the PRC's claims that consumers in their own country had not suffered any ill effects (and, frankly, why would a communist government listen to their own consumers?), the Chinese government relented and removed DEG from their exports. Arias' discovery led to product recalls and warnings around the globe. His name was revealed in an article by the New York Times on October 1, 2007. He was also featured in Time Magazine's Person Of the Year section under "People Who Mattered". 

Arias' passing was from cancer at age 64.

Wikipedia

Edited by Moderator_02
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When ethylene glycol breaks down in the body it forms chemicals that crystallize, and the crystals can collect in your kidneys and can affect kidney function. Ethylene glycol also forms acidic chemicals in the body, which can change the body’s acid/base balance and affect your nervous system, lungs, and heart. Early diagnosis and treatment have been very successful in people drinking large amounts of ethylene glycol.

Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, USA

Knock off imports could be dangerous. 

Alison

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