Propylene glycol is a common additive used in pain relievers, but a Pharmaceutical company in eastern Bangladesh decided to get a cheaper additive, diethyl glycol. Diethyl glycol, used to dye leather and other textiles, causes renal failure in humans.
In the past 6 weeks, 25 children from the ages of 1 through 5 have died because of the tainted medication. The majority of deaths were caused where the plant is located in Comilla. That plant is shut down as of now.
So far there have been no criminal charges filed, and none seem to be in the near future. The Health Minister wants to remind families that Paracetamol is not to blame, it was only the solvent used.
