The Internet is abuzz with how to clean effectively to limit the spread of coronavirus – the ins and outs of disinfecting coronavirus. Few past events, rumours, videos and fake messages across the globe have proved that people are trying their hands at harmful measures in disinfecting themselves and living spaces from coronavirus. Here are three things that you should not try to get rid of coronavirus.
By Abeen Shayiq
The COVID-19 pandemic has spread a lot of fear, confusion and a situation of panic. With cases increasing in a number of countries day by day, people are taking various steps to keep themselves virus safe. People are looking for ways that can be used as a disinfectant or protective measure that can kill the virus. While there are certain practices as laid down by WHO that may be helpful like following basic hygiene and social distancing guidelines but extreme and bizarre measures taken can eventually cause more harm. We list out three most harmful ways to disinfect below:
UV Radiation:When used at very high intensities, UV light can act as a disinfectant. But exposing your hands or skin to such high intensities can pose a threat. The human skin cannot tolerate this intensity and it can cause skin irritation. The WHO also recommends not to expose your skin to any kind of Ultraviolet disinfection lamp. Natural everyday UV emitters, like the sun, release only low levels of UV light and are not strong enough to kill the virus.
Chlorine Disinfectant:Chlorine disinfectants are very commonly used to clean various surfaces and can be effective repellents against the coronavirus. But it’s used should be restricted. Spraying chlorine over your body cannot kill if the virus has already entered the body. It should not be used for any sort of sanitization on your body. It can prove to be quite harmful to clothes as well as the mucus membranes, that is eyes, mouth. Chlorine/bleach based disinfection methods should not be used to clean masks. This will reduce the filtration efficacy and fumes retained in it are extremely harmful. WHO recommends using these products to disinfect only surfaces, but that too under proper guidelines.
Microwaves:Microwaves have been known to kill the germs and viruses in our foods and beverages and have also been effective in decontamination certain household products, like a dirty sponge. It is the heat produced and taken to an optimum temperature that makes it possible. But it is not recommended to disinfect every item in microwaves, especially masks and thermometers, as instructed by the CDC. Steam sanitizing disposable masks in a microwave can actually damage the thin material and make them less effective. In a news report by VICE, a Chinese woman named Li ended up burning 3,000 yuan in her microwave oven. Worried that these banknotes might be contaminated, she intended to disinfect them but ended up turning them to ashes.
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