Spraying or fumigating disinfectant on the streets, as some countries do, does not eliminate the coronavirus and poses a health risk, warned the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday. "Spraying or fumigating outdoor spaces, such as streets or markets, is not recommended to kill Covid-19 virus or other pathogens because the disinfectant is inactivated by dirt," says WHO. in a document on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces as part of the response to the new coronavirus.
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"Even in the absence of organic matter, it is unlikely that the chemical spray will adequately cover all surfaces for the duration of the contact time required to inactivate the pathogens," adds WHO. "In addition, streets and sidewalks are not considered to be Covid-19 infection reservoirs." The organization also claims that "spraying disinfectants, even outdoors, can be dangerous to human health".
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"Physically and psychologically dangerous"
The WHO also stresses that "it is never recommended to spray disinfectants on people" since "it could be physically and psychologically dangerous and would not reduce the ability of an infected person to spread the virus via droplets or contact. " Spraying chlorine or other toxic chemicals on people can cause eye and skin irritation, bronchospasm and gastrointestinal effects.
In indoor spaces, the systematic application of disinfectants to surfaces by spraying or fumigation is also not recommended. "If disinfectants are to be applied, it should be done with a cloth or wipe soaked in disinfectant," recommends WHO.
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The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of the pandemic that has killed more than 300,000 people worldwide since its appearance in China in late December, can attach itself to surfaces and objects, but currently no precise information is available. is available for the period during which the viruses remain infectious on the various surfaces. Studies have shown that the virus can stay on several types of surfaces for several days. However, these maximum durations are only theoretical because recorded under experimental conditions, underlines the WHO.