Diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) are often found as contaminants in glycerin, which is used as a sweetener in the manufacture of pharmaceutical cough syrups.
DEG and EG both have similar physical properties (colourless, odorless and viscous). They are also used in industrial products such as paints, stationery inks, fluids used in brakes and clutches of vehicles, and antifreeze.
They causes toxic effects to humans. It can cause headache, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, changes in mental status, and serious kidney problems.
Many children have died in the Gambia after consuming cough syrup containing DEG and EG.