Indore: Amid rise in use of a full-body disinfectant machines, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released an advisory against such practice and claimed that spraying chemical disinfectants is physically and psychologically harmful.
The Health Ministry in the advisory stated that spraying chemical disinfectant on individual or group is ‘not recommended.’ As per the advisory, it has received many queries regarding the efficacy (if any) of use disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite spray used over the individuals to disinfect them. The strategy seems to have gained a lot of media attention and is also being reportedly used at local levels in certain districts/local bodies.
“Disinfectants are chemicals that destroy disease-causing pathogens or other harmful microorganisms. It refers to substances applied on inanimate objects owing to their strong chemical properties. Chemical disinfectants are recommended for cleaning and disinfection only of frequently touched areas/surfaces by those who are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19,” the ministry mentioned.
Advisory issued states:
• Spraying of individuals or groups is NOT recommended under any circumstances. Spraying an individual or group with chemical disinfectants is physically and psychologically harmful.
• Even if a person is potentially exposed with the COVID-19 virus, spraying the external part of the body does not kill the virus that has entered your body. Also there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they are effective even in disinfecting the outer clothing/body in an effective manner.
• Spraying of chlorine on individuals can lead to irritation of eyes and skin and potentially gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting. Inhalation of sodium hypochlorite can lead to irritation of mucous membranes to the nose, throat, respiratory tract and may also cause bronchospasm.
• Additionally use of such measures may, in fact, lead to a false sense of disinfection and safety and actually hamper public observance to hand washing and social distancing measures.
