The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety launched an investigation after suspicion that an automotive fixative was used on a cotton swab for corona 19 testing.
SBS obtained testimony and data from an informant that a company that manufactures cotton swabs for corona tests used a chemical called'car repair primer' when fixing the cotton to the rod.
The main component of the material used is toxic substances such as ethylbenzene and toluene, which help the paint stick well when painting a car.
The brochure for this product said that it was harmful if swallowed without eating or drinking, but it was piled up in one of the cotton swab factories.
Under the current regulations, cotton swabs for corona testing are classified as medical devices, so you must obtain permission from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to determine what materials they are made of.
However, as a result of SBS coverage, it was confirmed that the company has not been certified for use of vehicle fixatives.
It is explained that the company has to submit to the KFDA that it is not harmful to the human body, but the KFDA has not received any data on the vehicle paint fixative used in this swab.
As a result of checking with experts, the vehicle fixing agent itself is a toxic substance, so it should be handled with a mask and gloves in a well-ventilated area.
However, there is a possibility that toxic substances may evaporate after hardening by secondary processing.
As this is a sensitive matter, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is planning to investigate from various angles, such as whether there are heavy metals, whether it is safe for humans, and whether impurities are not detected.
(Photo = Yonhap News)