Children and people with G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) deficiency are at grave risk of exposure to naphthalene commonly found in insect repellent products that may trigger severe massive haemolysis.
The Consumer Council has issued an appeal to manufacturers of insect repellents urging them to provide adequate warning label on naphthalene-containing products to consumers with G6PD deficiency.
In a market survey of 52 samples of household insect repellent products (for clothings), the Council found the majority - 31 out of 52 - of such products to be naphthalene-based.
However, all but 5 of these naphthalene-containing products were without any specific warning that they are not suitable for G6PD deficiency individuals.
Also among the 52 samples were 2 camphor products. The Department of Health has advised that camphor-containing products may also contain small amount of naphthalene (itself an oxidant) and other oxidants. They, too, were without the necessary warning.
According to the Department of Paediatrics of the Tuen Mun Hospital, in the 12-year period between March 1993 and February 2005, 6 boys with G6PD deficiency were admitted for hospitalization for treatment of acute massive haemolysis.
Among the children, some had developed transient renal impairment requiring transfusion of red blood cells and/or intensive care. All fully recovered after treatment.
These patients have consumed fava (broad) beans, exposed to moth balls, treated with herbal medicine or intramuscular injection, or have upper respiratory tract infection.
G6PD deficiency is not uncommon in Hong Kong as indicated in the statistics of the Genetic Screening Unit of the Department of Health which has been providing free screening of umbilical cord blood of the newborn for the disease since 1984.
The incidence of G6PD deficiency is approximately 4.5% in male and 0.5% in female.
At present, there is no statutory requirement for product manufacturers or their agents to indicate the possible harmful effects to individuals with different diseases.
The Consumer Council has, therefore, written to the manufacturers of insect repellent products surveyed, appealing to them to provide the necessary warning on naphthalene-containing products. Some have already responded positively.
Besides naphthalene and camphor, other substances and chemicals could also trigger symptoms of G6PD deficiency disorder:
- Fava or broad beans
- Certain Chinese herbs and medicine, e.g. pearl powder （
）, Calculus Bovis（ 
）, etc.
People with G6PD deficiency are advised not to be cautious in consuming Chinese medicines - unless they know for sure these preparations do not contain the ingredients in question.
- Certain drugs, e.g. some analgesics, antibiotics, sulfonamides, and anti-malarial, etc.
Therefore whenever they seek medical treatment for bacterial and viral infection, always remember to remind doctors and pharmacists of their G6PD condition to ensure the appropriate prescription.
The Consumer Council wishes also to appeal to food and medicine manufacturers for voluntary labelling of adequate warning on products harmful to G6PD deficiency individuals.
If people with G6PD deficiency develop the following symptoms, they should seek immediate medical treatment: look pale; persistent tiredness, babies may become excessively sleepy; difficulty in breathing and rapid heartbeats; dark colored urine; yellowish skin and eyes.
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