Is spraying of disinfectants over body safe?

To disinfect people when they walk into a public space, it is being prefered to spray disinfectants over them, which is reportedly also being used at a local level at some places. But is the use of disinfectants such as Sodium Hypochlorite is not harmful. Let's know it with the help of this report.

Hyderabad: Amongst the various options that are coming in related to how we can disinfect people when they either walk in their workspace or a public space, one option that is being considered is spraying disinfectants over them, which is reportedly also being used at a local level at some places. But is the use of disinfectants such as Sodium Hypochlorite not harmful?

An advisory issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare states, “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. Precautionary measures are to be adopted while using disinfectants for cleaning – like wearing gloves during disinfection”.

The authority further states the harmfulness of the disinfectants being sprayed over a human body.

● Spraying disinfectants over the human body are not recommended. It can be harmful both physically and psychologically.

● Even if the person is exposed to the virus, spraying disinfectants externally won’t help to kill the virus that has already entered the body.

● Also, there is no scientific evidence about the spray being effective in

disinfecting the outer clothing or body.

● Spraying chlorine can lead to irritation in the eyes and potentially lead to gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting.

● Inhalation of sodium hypochlorite can lead to irritation of mucous membranes of nose, throat, respiratory tract and may also cause bronchospasm.

● Use of such measures may lead to a false sense of disinfection and safety, which can further hamper practices such as hand washing and social distancing. Therefore, spraying any chemical over the body is not effective and can be harmful to the skin and whole body as well, both internally as well as externally.

So, any such measures should not be practised until a credible health or government authority recommends it for the public. While #IndiaFightsCorona, the best you can do as a responsible citizen is staying home during the lockdown and keep following all the preventive measures to help lessen the spread of COVID-19 in our country.