The medicines, over-the-counter cough syrups, had high levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol. "These contaminants are toxic chemicals used as industrial solvents and antifreeze agents that can be fatal even taken in small amounts, and should never be found in medicines," the WHO said.

Diethylene glycol may be used in the preparation of bis(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyrid-4′-yl) diethylene glycol, which can act as a precursor for producing water-soluble coordination polymers.