August 21, 2019
CONTACT: Kara Kane 
Email: kara.kane@erie.gov  
Phone: (716) 858-4941

HARMFUL CONSEQUENCES RELATED TO “MIRACLE CURES” FOR CANCER AND OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein issues statement about dangers and complications of “miracle mineral solutions”  

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein has issued a warning about the dangerous and potentially life-threatening side effects of “miracle mineral solution” and similarly named products that are currently being promoted in Western New York and online. 

Based on a report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 12, 2019, the Erie County Department of Health is warning Erie County residents not to purchase, drink or consume “Miracle Mineral Solution” or MMS. This substance is also marketed as Master Mineral Solution, MMS, Miracle Mineral Supplement, Chlorine Dioxide (CD) Protocol and Water Purification Solution (WPS).

“This product is promoted as a miracle cure for cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, influenza and autism; that could not be further from the truth,” said Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “The FDA has a rigorous testing and approval process for drug products, and these products are absolutely not approved for sale or consumption to treat medical conditions.” She continued, “The individuals who sell MMS and other similar products as a medical treatment are doing so by attempting to evade federal safety regulations and preying on the hopes of vulnerable, ill people and their families.”

MMS consumers purchase a liquid, often through an online vendor, that is 28% sodium chlorite. They are instructed to mix the solution with citric acid, like lemon or lime juice, to “activate the product.” When combined, the mixture becomes chlorine dioxide – an agent used for water purification, industrial water treatment and bleaching.

Reports have been received by the FDA of people experiencing severe vomiting, severe diarrhea, and life-threatening low blood pressure caused by dehydration and acute liver failure after drinking these products. “As a pediatrician I know what happens when a child – or anyone – consumes bleach,” said Dr. Burstein. “These products are not a cure. The best medical advice for individuals comes from health care professionals who are familiar with their medical history and symptoms.”

Anyone who has MMS or similar products in their home should not use them and should throw them away. Seek immediate medical attention if you have used these products and experienced adverse effects.

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Erie County Department of Health: http://www.erie.gov/health

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Warning: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-consumers-about-dangerous-and-potentially-life-threatening-side-effects-miracle-mineral

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, MedWatch Safety Program: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=reporting.home or (800) FDA-1088

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

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