WHO declared disinfectant sprays dangerous for human health

Disinfectant sprays are not useful against coronavirus

World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the use of disinfectant sprays on the streets and in houses dangerous for human health. WHO make it clear that disinfectant sprays does not eliminate the coronavirus and even poses a health risk. WHO also clarifies in a document on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces as part of the response to the virus spraying can be ineffective.

WHO explains in the document that "spraying or fumigation of outdoor spaces, such as streets or marketplaces, is... not recommended to kill the COVID-19 virus or other pathogens because disinfectant is inactivated by dirt and debris. Even in the absence of organic matter, chemical spraying is unlikely to adequately cover all surfaces for the duration of the required contact time needed to inactivate pathogens."

The WHO also clarifies that streets and pavements are not considered as "reservoirs of infection" of COVID-19, adding that spraying disinfectants, even outside, can be "dangerous for human health".

The document also stresses that spraying individuals with disinfectants is "not recommended under any circumstances. This could be physically and psychologically harmful and would not reduce an infected person’s ability to spread the virus through droplets or contact."

The document explains that spraying chlorine or other toxic chemicals on people can cause eye and skin irritation, bronchospasm and gastrointestinal effects.

The WHO also warned against the systematic spraying and fumigating of disinfectants on to surfaces in indoor spaces, citing a study that has shown it to be ineffective outside direct spraying areas. "If disinfectants are to be applied, this should be done with a cloth or wipe that has been soaked in disinfectant,"

Studies have shown that the virus can stay on several types of surfaces for several days. However, these maximum durations are only theoretical because they are recorded under laboratory conditions and should be "interpreted with caution" in the real-world environment.

                                                                 Web Desk