Several states have reported an increase in incidents or calls related to exposing people to disinfecting solutions, days after the president’s remarks Donald trump, in which he wildly suggested that he should investigate whether an injection of these products could help treat coronavirus.
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The Poison Control Center of NY He received about 30 calls this Friday regarding exposure to bleach, Lysol disinfectant and other cleaning products. According to data from that department obtained by the EFE news agency, the department handled by telephone nine cases of exposure to Lysol, ten related to bleach and eleven to other household cleaning products in an 18-hour period before three in the afternoon on Friday.
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The New York Poison Control Center does not specify what type of exposure there was in these cases, whether it was due to skin contact or ingested, but it does report that none required admission to a hospital or led to any deaths.
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The data from the Center show a significant increase compared to those handled in the same 18-hour period in
2019, in which two cases related to bleach and thirteen related to household cleaning products were attended.
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In Illinois
On the other hand, Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said this Saturday in his press conference that there was an increase in calls to the state Poison Center in the last two days compared to the last year associated with exposures to cleaning agents.
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“We have recorded in the last two days we have seen a significant increase compared to the same period last year in calls to the Illinois Poison Center,” he added.
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“I hate having to do this, but I’d like to address some of the myths, rumors, and general misinformation about how to protect yourself from covid-19 … Injecting, ingesting, inhaling household cleaners is dangerous. Not advised and can be fatal. “ Ezike said at his press conference.
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Also in Maryland
Ezike said some recent examples of poisoning include using a “detergent or bleach solution for a mouthwash or gargling to kill the coronavirus.”
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The Maryland Emergency Management Agency also posted a message in English and Spanish on their social networks, noting that they had received calls with questions about the use of disinfectants against coronavirus.
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“We have received several calls regarding questions about the use of disinfectants and covid-19. This is a reminder that under no circumstances should any disinfecting product be administered to the body by injection, ingestion or any other route, “they warned.
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Trump’s statements
Health experts warn that alcohol, bleach, and other disinfecting solutions used against viruses on the surface are toxic if ingested or entered into the body in any way.
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Reckitt Benckiser, the manufacturer of the Lysol and Dettol brand disinfectants, issued a release warning about this: “As a world leader in health and hygiene products, we must be clear that in no case should our disinfectant products be administered to the human body (by injection, ingestion or any other route). As with all products, our Disinfectants and hygiene products should only be used as intended. “
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Quoted by The Washington Post, the director of global emergency health at Presbyterian Medical Center / Columbia University said, Craig Spencer said: “My concern is that people die. People will now think it is a good idea.”
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In addition, a senior government health official later dismissed these alternatives, saying they are not being considered as possible treatments. Stephen Hahn, an FDA commissioner who is also part of the team that advises the president, said on CNN: ” I certainly wouldn’t recommend ingesting a disinfectant“
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Experts ask not to consume experimental coronavirus drugs, even if they are mentioned by Trump
Trump also later speculated on the possibility of using ultraviolet rays or “very powerful light” inside the body “through the skin or in some other way” and said that perhaps a test should be done.
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