While Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is a valuable industrial chemical, its history is unfortunately marred by tragic incidents where its misuse as a counterfeit ingredient led to severe poisoning. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. believes it is vital to educate our partners and the public about these risks, emphasizing the critical importance of chemical purity and responsible sourcing.

Historically, DEG has been tragically mistaken or deliberately substituted for glycerol (also known as glycerine). Glycerol is a non-toxic, viscous liquid widely used as a sweetener and humectant in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Its similar physical properties—a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid—can make DEG appear to be a suitable replacement. However, the consequences of this substitution are dire, as DEG is significantly toxic, particularly to the kidneys and nervous system. Understanding the distinction between these two compounds is paramount, as is recognizing the potential for diethylene glycol poisoning.

Numerous documented epidemics of DEG poisoning have occurred globally, often linked to the contamination of medicines, particularly children’s syrups. In these instances, DEG was inadvertently or intentionally added as a cheap substitute for propylene glycol or glycerol. The effects are devastating, starting with gastrointestinal distress and progressing to severe metabolic acidosis, acute kidney failure, and neurological damage, often resulting in fatalities. These events highlight the extreme danger of even small amounts of DEG contaminating products intended for human consumption.

The insidious nature of these contaminations often lies in the manufacturing process. If a supplier uses impure or mislabeled raw materials, the toxic DEG can enter the supply chain unnoticed until it causes widespread harm. This underscores the critical need for rigorous quality control at every stage of production and distribution. Companies like NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. implement stringent testing protocols to ensure the identity and purity of their chemicals, preventing such catastrophic outcomes. Our commitment to providing high-quality chemicals minimizes the risk of diethylene glycol toxicity in legitimate industrial applications.

The lessons learned from these tragic events have led to stricter regulations and increased vigilance within the chemical and pharmaceutical industries worldwide. While DEG has legitimate and important industrial uses as a solvent, humectant, and chemical intermediate—particularly in applications like polyester resins and polyurethanes—its use in products intended for human or animal consumption is strictly prohibited and regulated. Educating ourselves on the properties of diethylene glycol and its dangers when misused is a collective responsibility.

NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. advocates for transparency and safety in the chemical industry. We ensure that our Diethylene Glycol products are of the highest purity and are supplied with comprehensive safety data, enabling our clients to use them responsibly and effectively in their intended industrial applications, far removed from the perilous realm of food or pharmaceutical adulteration.