A chemical found in rapid home COVID-19 antigen tests contains a small amount of a chemical that could be potentially hazardous, according to the National Capital Poison Center.
According to the center, the extraction vials in many rapid antigen kits – including BinaxNow, BD Veritor, Flowflex, and Celltrion DiaTrust – use the chemical sodium azide as a preservative agent. Sodium azide, a colorless, tasteless and odorless powder, is used as a propellant in airbags, as a herbicide and a pest control agent as well as a laboratory preservative agent.
“The extraction vials do look like small squeeze bottles or eye droppers. Some people may accidentally confuse them with medications and apply the drops into their eyes or nose, which may cause irritation. People also may spill it on their skin which can cause skin irritation or chemical burns,” said Dr. Maryann Amirshahi, Medical Toxicologist.
When swallowed, sodium azide can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, headache and heart palpitations, and, in more severe cases, seizures and death. The amount of sodium azide in most rapid antigen kits is much lower than the amount expected to cause poisoning if swallowed by an adult, but could cause issues if a child accidentally swallows the contents of the vial or chokes on its small cap.
The risk of poisoning is small when tests are used and disposed of properly, poison control said. Tests should be kept out of the reach of children.
If you suspect someone has swallowed sodium azide, do not make the person vomit. For eye exposures, rinse the eyes for 15-20 minutes with warm tap water. For skin exposures, rinse the skin well with tap water. You can also contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.