Stop installation of disinfection tunnels, they are harmful / Dr Lal Thadani MD PSM. Public Health Expert

Stop installation of disinfection tunnels, they are harmful / Dr Lal Thadani MD PSM. Public Health Expert

Despite notifications from various govt.and WHO circular various versions of these Disinfection  tunnels are springing up across the country without regulatory guidelines or clear benefits at various key places and Hospitals in the country.

It is very dangerous to use such disinfectants on the human body, the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya parishad on

Monday, April 13, 2020 in ADVERTISEMENT note said that that these tunnels could create a wrong idea about the COVID-19 precautions among the public.

"It creates an impression that the people going through the tunnel sprayed with sodium hypochlorite fumes will be germ-free. 

With the wrong idea that they have become safe after going through the tunnel, people may begin to interact closely with others without taking precaution, the KSSP warns.

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do not say that sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide can be used for fumigation," the note says.

The hypochlorite solution is used for cleaning floors, tables and other furniture in hospitals. 

But it is not tried as a fumigant in labs handling virus or operation theatres.

"The virus entrapped in your palms and responsible for the disease spread could be destroyed only with repetitive

clean your hands using a sanitiser or soap and water. 

The real danger is in the virus present in the lungs. You will need to wear masks to prevent it from spreading to others. In that way Tunnels do not work," the note says.

The note further says: “Any chemical needs a certain amount of time to fight down the virus. 

Ramanand sen Gupta in an Outlook Magazine says that the tunnels are not equipped to destroy the virus present even on surfaces. Corona Virus I size are heavy virus that settles on surface. 

On the other hand, chemicals used in tunnels such as hydrogen peroxide and chlorine may create allergy to skin and eyes. If these enter your lungs in large amounts, it may lead to pneumonia, pulmonary edema, ARDS and other diseases.”

If coronavirus-infected persons pass through the tunnel, it can worsen their condition. 

It is very dangerous to use such disinfectants on the human body, the KSSP note adds.

         

The disinfection tunnels and chambers  to curb the spread of infection 

In  COVID-19 have no scientific backing, and are unscientific and should be avoided.

What percentage of Sodium hypochlorite bleach is effective as a common disinfectant?

Disinfectants Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a compound that can be effectively used for water purification. It is used on a large scale for surface purification, bleaching, odor removal and water disinfection.

Bleach (usually 5.25% or 6.00%–6.15% sodium hypochlorite depending upon manufacturer) is usually diluted in water at 1:10 or 1:100.

Considering shelf life : In drinking water facilities, 12 percent sodium hypochlorite is a primary disinfectant.  it typically degrades to 11 percent. In the calculations of dosages or concentrations, 10 percent should be used as the starting point. 

Common uses of Sodium Hypochlorite?

It is the main ingredient in laundry bleach. 

It is used extensively as a bleaching agent in the textile, detergents, and paper and pulp industries. 

It is also used as an oxidizing agent for organic products. 

It is used in petroleum products refining.

Hazards

People are exposed to sodium hypochlorite by inhalation of aerosols. 

This causes coughing and a sore throat. After swallowing sodium hypochlorite the effects are stomach ache, a burning sensation, coughing, diarrhea, a sore throat and vomiting. 

Sodium hypochlorite on skin or eyes causes redness and pain.

So far no specific guidelines from any side issues so far but World Health Organisation warns that these tunnels are meant to supplement, and not replace other measures like washing hands regularly, maintaining proper hygiene, wearing a mask, and maintaining social distancing.

More importantly, a slight variation in the concentration of sodium hypochlorite could lead to mild to extremely serious side-effects, ranging from skin and eye irritation to severe burns.

To avoid dangerous mishaps, It is important that the government quickly formulate and enforce guidelines for these tunnels.

Dr Lal Thadani , MD PSM

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