WHO reminded Indonesian people about the danger of spraying disinfectant all over bodies. (Image via SINDOnews)

WHO reminds of the dangers of spraying disinfectants to the body

Nowadays, disinfectant chambers are getting more popular as an effort to suppress the number of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. Even, there were videos where disinfectant was being sprayed through cars.

While it seems cool, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Indonesia warned the public regarding the danger of spraying the disinfectant straight to the body. The ingredients in the disinfectant solution could backfire and put your health at risk. Tweeting on Sunday, WHO Indonesia said that the disinfectant could be dangerous if it hits the mucous membrane in the eyes or mouth.

The dangerous substances in the solution are alcohol and chlorine. WHO also warned that spraying disinfectant to human bodies, the main reason of the disinfection chamber, could not kill the virus that had made its way into the body.

Alcohol and chlorine can only be used to disinfect the surface of things. The usage also has to adhere to the guidance. Too much alcohol and chlorine to the skin could result in irritation.

Head of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Laksana Tri Handoko, also confirmed the news. Laksana said that the disinfectant chamber is installed before laboratory with biosafety standard, where the personnel enters by wearing vacuum protective gear.

The spray disinfectant sold in the market is also advised not to be sprayed to the body. Laksana said that taking bath and washing your hands are the most accurate prevention steps against the COVID-19. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is better used when water and soap are unavailable.

Source: https://bit.ly/2WXdhyr