Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), many products that seek to “prevent and cure SARS-Cov-2” are sold by different platforms as well as through social networks. Chlorine dioxide is one of the most commercialized chemicals at this time.
However, experts in the medical field pointed out that it is totally ineffective against the virus and dangerous for health, which is why it has been banned in several countries. In Bolivia On the contrary, the deputies approved this Wednesday a bill that exceptionally regulates the production, marketing, supply and consented use of the chlorine dioxide solution, preventively and as a treatment for patients diagnosed with coronavirus.
The bill, approved in July by the Senate, includes modifications that provide that public and private laboratories, accredited and authorized by the competent body, may produce the chlorine dioxide solution, “having to comply with the quality conditions and include the final product leaflets that prove the composition, dosage, precautions and care when consuming this compound ”, according to the official statement of the Chamber.
In Brazil, the second country most affected by the coronavirus, it was observed that since chlorine dioxide was available over the counter, supermarkets chose to sell it as if it were a daily household product.
What is chlorine dioxide?
Chlorine dioxide is a chemical that can be prepared in solution from sodium chlorite. Is substance can be used as a disinfectant or bleach in the textile industry or trash can.
The chemical is soluble in water and reacts quickly with other compounds. When it reacts in water, CDS forms chlorite ions, which are also very reactive substances. Chlorine dioxide’s high reactivity allows it to kill bacteria and other microorganisms in the water.
ANMAT message
On Tuesday, August 4, the ANMAT recommended not to use unauthorized drugs and issued a statement on chlorine dioxide. “Due to the circulation of information on social networks and digital media related to the use of chlorine dioxide for the treatment of Covid-19 or other diseases, it is recalled that the aforementioned product does not have studies that demonstrate its effectiveness and does not have authorization any by this body for its commercialization and use, “he clarified.
Likewise, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned about the dangers of using chlorine dioxide products and its derivatives to be consumed or inhaled as a supposed treatment against Covid-19.
“The PAHO clearly and emphatically advises against the use of chlorine dioxide and its derivatives to be ingested or inhaled or for any other use in humans, these products are used to disinfect inanimate surfaces not for human beings,” he said during a press conference Marcos Espinal, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Organization.
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