![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/2.53809196.jpg\")
The public has been advised to stop using all Virapro-branded sanitary products after it emerged that several are not authorized for use in Ireland. The announcement from the Department of Agriculture came a day after a specific hand sanitizer made by Virapro was recalled from the market over health concerns.<\/p>\n
The product, Virapro Hand Sanitizer (PCS 100409), is used in many schools by students and staff.<\/p>\n
The department warned that prolonged use of the sanitizer may cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation and headaches.<\/p>\n
It removed the product from the Biocidal Product Register because of the public health concerns.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, members of the public were urged not to use the product as it contains methanol rather than ethanol.<\/p>\n
On Friday night, the department said, in the course of the investigation into the hand sanitizer, it emerged that a number of other sanitary products under the Virapro brand were not on its approved list for biocidal products.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe company concerned has been advised to withdraw all of these products from the market,\u201d said a departmental statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe department is therefore advising, on a precautionary basis, that all sanitary products in the Virapro range should be returned to the supplier.<\/p>\n
\u201cMembers of the public are advised to stop using these products because they are not authorized for use.\u201d<\/p>\n
The department said all products containing biocides were required to have specific information and data on the labels.<\/p>\n
A number of schools were forced to shut their doors on Friday amid the hand sanitizer scare.<\/p>\n
St Patrick\u2019s Boys National School in Drumcondra and Gaelscoil Ros Eo in Rush were among the schools to close for the day.<\/p>\n
Professor Anne Looney, chairwoman of St Patrick\u2019s Boys school, said pupils were disappointed as Friday was fancy dress day.<\/p>\n
She told the Today with Claire Byrne show that she searched shops online to purchase sanitizer late on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew that probably local schools would be able to help,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019d been in touch this morning but there was too much uncertainty and this was actually dress-up day in school, so there was a slightly higher level of risk and the importance of having the sanitizer in place for every boy and every staff member coming in, so getting that certainty \u2013 we couldn\u2019t give that.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen on balance given the level of risk and the need to give certainty we made the decision to close.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sinn Fein\u2019s education spokesman Donnchadh O Laoghaire said that school principals were left to make last-minute decisions on Friday morning.<\/p>\n
\u201cSchools have been through an incredible year, the stress and the strain they felt.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe last thing that they needed, less than two days from the mid-term break, was a notification from the Minister for Education at 10.40pm saying that this particular hand sanitizer was not suitable for use,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of principals and schools wouldn\u2019t have seen that until this morning, they would have to make a split decision on a really tight timeframe with massive implications.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had emails from parents who said their schools had no other choice and that causes its own difficulties for parents having to take the day off or look for childcare.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe issue is communication here, this was due to be recalled by the Department of Agriculture on Tuesday last.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid the Department of Agriculture not tell the Department of Education or did the Department of Education not get the word out in time?\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Paddy Mallon, consultant in infectious disease at St Vincent\u2019s Hospital in Dublin, said the incident was \u201csurprising\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether it\u2019s schools or hospitals, everyone has been struggling to access sufficient supplies of what we need but that has improved over time,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to recognize that there is a need to focus on safety but also how important hand sanitizer and hand washing is.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an unfortunate hiccup that has had a severe impact on schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe majority of hand sanitizer won\u2019t have this particular type of alcohol.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to continue to be diligent and frequent users of hand sanitizers because it is key in protecting ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n