Abstract

The first “disinfection tunnel” in the country was launched in Tiruppur on April 1 and several districts in Tamil Nadu and other states, including Karnataka, followed suit. After the number of such tunnels increased, experts raised concerns about the effectiveness of these chemicals sprayed on humans in killing the virus. Some of them even said the chemicals used to spray on humans might be more harmful than the virus itself.

Both the Central and State governments have been quick to set up disinfectant tunnels to sanitize people in public places amid the COVID-19 outbreak. But what has gone unnoticed is the chemical component — sodium hypochlorite, which is the main ingredient in bleach — present in the sanitizers. Experts suggest sodium hypochlorite can harm certain membranes in the body, instead of killing the virus.

It all started in Uttar Pradesh, where migrant workers were doused with the disinfectant used to sanitize buses. This sparked a controversy as it contained sodium hypochlorite. People took to social media to condemn the incident, forcing the District Magistrate of Bareilly, Nitish Kumar, to order action against officials responsible for the incident.²

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disinfectants will work on surfaces, but not on the human body, and can also harm people. “Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances [alcohol or chlorine] can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes [eyes and mouth],” WHO said in its advice to the public.⁷