Children's deaths tied to pain reliever

Bangladesh health officials say a toxic chemical added to a popular pain reliever likely caused the deaths of approximately 25 children in that country.



Pharmaceutical companies usually add propylene glycol as a solvent in the syrup for paracetamol, which is an over the counter drug, to relieve pain and reduce fever.



However, the country’s health minister said tests have revealed that a drug company in eastern Bangladesh instead added diethyl glycol to its paracetamol syrup.



Authorities say 25 children, ages one to five, have died in the past six weeks, from the tainted medication.



Most of the deaths have been reported in the district of Comilla, where the factory is located.



The plant has since been shut down and sources say no criminal charges have been filed following the deaths.