The ethylene oxide coating the swab is mutagenic and causes changes to DNA. Air contaminated with trace amounts of it caused workers to suffer from vomiting, bronchitis and excess fluid accumulation in their lungs. Women experienced reproductive issues including miscarriages. Clinical observation of men recorded decreased sperm count, lower testicular weight and erectile degeneration. Further analysis from the EPA stated the chemical causes malignant tumors. Animal trials concluded the sterilant creates various types of cancers. Department of Health and Human Services representatives state it can cause genome damage or cellular metabolic process disruption. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety officials declare EO is a toxic substance that produces genetic defects.
Each time a person is tested, the swab is plunged deep into their nasal cavity. Materials present on the swab are absorbed directly into the body. Over time the toxin accumulates and may have dire consequences. Such a dangerous and invasive procedure seems unnecessary considering 97% of all test results are false positives and saliva samples are far more accurate for diagnostics.
The ethylene oxide coating the swab is mutagenic and causes changes to DNA. Air contaminated with trace amounts of it caused workers to suffer from vomiting, bronchitis and excess fluid accumulation in their lungs. Women experienced reproductive issues including miscarriages. Clinical observation of men recorded decreased sperm count, lower testicular weight and erectile degeneration. Further analysis from the EPA stated the chemical causes malignant tumors. Animal trials concluded the sterilant creates various types of cancers. Department of Health and Human Services representatives state it can cause genome damage or cellular metabolic process disruption. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety officials declare EO is a toxic substance that produces genetic defects.
Each time a person is tested, the swab is plunged deep into their nasal cavity. Materials present on the swab are absorbed directly into the body. Over time the toxin accumulates and may have dire consequences. Such a dangerous and invasive procedure seems unnecessary considering 97% of all test results are false positives and saliva samples are far more accurate for diagnostics.
Links (more in article)
Dangers of EO https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/ethylene-oxide.pdf
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/ethylene-oxide
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1047
https://www.reuters.com/article/health-immunocore-gates/gates-foundation-invests-40-mln-in-uk-immunotherapy-company-idUSL5N1LZ0Q1
https://d3b.center/corsica/#:~:text=About%20CORSICA,cancer%20centers%20in%20the%20country.
EO Coating https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/what-you-should-know-about-medical-swab-sterilization
https://hcy888.en.made-in-china.com/product/VvSJThAFZPWM/China-Disposable-Sterile-Specimen-Collection-Test-Nylon-Nasal-Swab.html (look at sterilization method)