Health and Family Welfare Ministry has said that spraying of chemical disinfectants on individual or group is physically and psychologically harmful.

Health Ministry has issued an advisory against spraying of disinfectant on people for COVID-19 management, saying, spraying of chemical disinfectants on individuals or groups were not recommended under any circumstances.

Health and Family Welfare has received many queries regarding the efficacy of use of disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite spray used over the individuals to disinfect them. Ministry said that inhalation of sodium hypochlorite can lead to irritation of mucous membranes of nose, throat, respiratory tract and may also cause bronchospasm.

Disinfectants are chemicals that destroy disease causing pathogens or other harmful microorganisms.

Chemical disinfectants are recommended for cleaning and disinfection only of frequently touched areas and surfaces by those who are suspected or confirmed to have corona virus.

Ministry has advised that precautionary measures are to be adopted while using disinfectants.

Health and Family Welfare Ministry has advised that even if a person is potentially exposed with the corona virus, spraying the external part of the body does not kill the virus that has entered in the body.

Also there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they are effective even in disinfecting the outer clothing and body in an effective manner.

Spraying of chlorine on individuals can lead to irritation in eyes and skin and also cause nausea and vomiting.

Ministry has also advised that use of such measures may in fact lead to a false sense of disinfection and safety and actually hamper public observance to hand washing and social distancing measures.