WHO warns disinfectants can be harmful for human health

WHO warns disinfectants pose risk to health

Web Desk

17th May, 2020. 11:53 am
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World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that excess use of disinfectants can be harmful for human health.

WHO in its recent document explains that spraying disinfectant on the streets does not eliminate the new coronavirus and even poses a health risk.

“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,”

The document stated, “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.” 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”. According to the document spraying chlorine or other toxic chemicals on people can cause eye and skin irritation, bronchospasm and gastrointestinal effects.

The coronavirus has killed at least 310,616 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year. The United States of America has witnessed the most deaths at 88,930. It is followed by Britain with 34,466, Italy with 31,763, Spain with 27,563, and France with 27,529.

The Spanish government will seek a fresh extension of its state of emergency that will last “about a month” until the transition out of lockdown is completed, says Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.