It's been sold by some as a remedy for things like autism, AIDS, cancer, hepatitis and the flu.  However, health officials warn drinking a liquid often marketed as "miracle mineral solution" is like drinking bleach and can be dangerous and possibly deadly.

• Products marketed as miracle cures can actually be dangerous
• Sodium chlorite is often sold online or in seminars as the miracle mineral solution
• The FDA recently issued warnings about using these products

"This is really an example of modern-day snake oil. And it's happening in 2019 just like we saw it happening in 1819 and 1919 unfortunately," said Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. 

Following recent warnings issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Burstein shared concerns about these products, often sold online and in seminars. 

The chemical name is sodium chlorite, but it's also known as MMS, miracle mineral solution, master mineral supplement, chlorine dioxide protocol, or water purification solution.

The FDA says mixing it with citric acid according to instructions creates a powerful bleaching agent, and side effects include severe vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, dehydration and liver failure.

"These products have not been approved to cure anything," Burstein said. "The best medical advice for individuals who may have purchased this product is to throw it away ASAP."

Burstein said the county health department has not had any reports of people locally getting sick, although the associated symptoms can be seen in many other illnesses.

Burstein is concerned after The Guardian news outlet reported a group that markets these products held a seminar in Eden over the weekend. The group is called the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing.

"They were charging $450 per person and $800 per couple, so this sounds to me like a money maker," Burstein said. 

Her message: these products are not regulated and could be harmful to your health. Burstein said people who've used the miracle mineral solution and have any symptoms should call their doctor or poison control.