Does Spraying Disinfectants Help In Curbing Coronavirus?

A PIL has been filed over the use of disinfectants in outdoor spaces and its impact on health. The WHO has said in its guidelines that spraying disinfectants outside is not recommended.

MCD workers spray disinfectants at Malka Ganj area during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, in New Delhi. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: A public interest litigation (PIL) is seeking directions to Center, Delhi government and other bodies for the proper use of disinfectant based on the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization on spraying disinfectants in public spaces and offices. According to the ANI report, the PIL was filed by Susheel Mahajan through advocates N Pradeep Sharma and Harsh K Sharma saying that spraying disinfectant is not recommended by the World Health Organization and can cause adverse health risks. It sought directions to Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, and Delhi Commissioner of Police for the proper implementation of the guidelines. The plea which is likely to be heard on June 10 also said, "Spraying an individual or group with chemical disinfectants is physically and psychologically harmful." It has been observed by the petitioner that the disinfectants are sprinkled on the human being by a lot of agencies and private organisations, to disinfect. Inhalation of sodium hypochlorite can lead to irritation of mucous membranes to the nose, throat, respiratory tract and may also cause bronchospasm.” Does disinfection help? At present, the most used disinfectant for sanitizing outdoor areas is sodium hypochlorite which commonly known as bleach. Too much exposure to the chemical can have adverse health effects such as skin and respiratory issues. Many cities across the world including in India are using mass disinfection drives to curb the spread of coronavirus. Many measures have been taken in India to spray disinfectants such as installing disinfectant tunnels that spray sodium hypochlorite on people passing through it. According to the WHO guidelines spraying of disinfectants in outdoor, public spaces such as streets or open marketplaces is not recommended. The guidelines say that ‘streets and sidewalks are not considered as routes of infection for COVID-19’ and that ‘spraying disinfectants, even outdoors, can be noxious for people’s health and cause eye, respiratory or skin irritation or damage’. It also adds that the practice is rendered ineffective since the presence of dirt or rubbish will inactivate the disinfectant and ‘manual cleaning to physically remove all matter is not feasible’. The WHO has also highlighted that it is even less effective on porous surfaces such as sidewalks and unpaved walkways. Even in the absence of dirt or rubbish, it is unlikely that chemical spraying would adequately cover surfaces allowing the required contact time to inactivate pathogens.” Here are some tips by the WHO to for disinfecting indoors:

• A disinfectant should be selected on the basis of the impact on surfaces and its toxic effects.
• Avoid combining disinfectants, such as bleach and ammonia, since mixtures can cause respiratory irritation and release potentially fatal gases.
• Use precautions such as keeping children, pets, and other people away during the application of the product. Ensure that there is no spillage of the cleaning products.
• Open windows and use fans to ventilate. Step away from odours if they become too strong. Disinfectant solutions should always be prepared in well-ventilated areas.
• Wash your hands after using any disinfectant, including surface wipes.