GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against spraying disinfectant on the streets, as practiced in some countries, does not eliminate the new COVID-19 and it can be “dangerous for human health.”
In a document on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces as part of the response to the COVID-19, the WHO says spraying can be ineffective. The document also stresses that spraying individuals with disinfectants are “not suggested under any circumstances”.
The WHO further explained, “Spraying or fumigation of outdoor spaces, such as streets or marketplaces, does not suggest to kill the coronavirus or other pathogens because disinfectant is inactivated by dirt and debris.”
“Even in the absenteeism of organic matter, chemical spraying is unlikely to sufficiently cover all surfaces for the duration of the required contact time needed to inactivate pathogens,” said the document.
The WHO said that streets and pavements are not considered as “reservoirs of infection” of coronavirus, adding that spraying disinfectants, even outside, can be “dangerous for human health”.
“This could be physically and psychologically dangerous and would not lessen an infected person’s ability to spread the COVID-19 through droplets or contact,” said the document.
It added spraying chlorine or other toxic chemicals on people can cause eye and skin irritation, bronchospasm and gastrointestinal effects.
The WHO is also warning against the systematic spraying and fumigating of disinfectants on to surfaces in indoor spaces, citing a study that has shown it to be ineffective outside direct spraying areas.
“If disinfectants are to be applied, this should be done with a cloth or wipe that has been soaked in disinfectant,” it says.
The COVID-19 epidemic has killed more than 300,000 people globally since its emergence in late December in China, can attach itself to surfaces and objects. Studies have shown that the virus can stay on several types of surfaces for several days.
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