Bleach against coronavirus: in the USA sharply increased cases of poisoning with household chemicals

Over the past few months, the number of cases of disinfectant poisoning has risen sharply in the United States, writes "Voice of America".

Photo: Shutterstock

Recommendations for the prevention of coronavirus infection have been voiced repeatedly by the expert community: wash your hands, do not touch your face, disinfect surfaces and, if possible, stay at home. However, global tension has contributed to the spread of COVID-19 myths. Among them, their myth is not so much useless as a real health hazard, a myth about the preventive properties of disinfectants taken inside the body can be singled out.

⁣ Growth in the number of poisonings

From January to March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States recorded 45 cases of poisoning with cleaning and disinfectants, which is 550% more than last year. At the same time, the highest growth was noted among cases of poisoning with bleaches, alcohol-free antiseptics and disinfecting hand gels.

Although the direct connection between the use of chemicals and people's attempts to shield themselves from coronavirus has not been proven, it is widely believed that this connection is likely.

Illinois authorities, for example, report such cases. The Chicago Tribune quoted Dr. Ngozi Ezike, head of the state Department of Health, who said there was a “significant increase” in household poisoning reports. As an example, Ezike talked about a resident of Illinois who mixed bleach and mouthwash to combat coronavirus.

At the same time, according to NPR, the largest surge in the misuse of household chemicals was noted after the press conference of the working group on the fight against coronavirus, at which Donald Trump spoke on April 23.

On the subject: 'Interesting to check': Trump suggested giving COVID-19 patients sanitizer injections

⁣Injection household chemicals

At a press conference on April 23, William Brian, the head of research at the US Department of Homeland Security, mentioned that bleach and alcohol can kill coronavirus on surfaces. President Donald Trump continued Brian’s thought, but in a very unusual way: he suggested that the virus can be defeated by injections or other methods of introducing disinfectants into the body.

A little later, the White House press service issued a statement stating that the president’s words were taken out of context and that Trump always recommends consulting with doctors.

This slide summarizes some of the coronavirus research findings Bryan is highlighting pic.twitter.com/M8ComOsoWh

- Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 23, 2020

The authorities in New York said that within 18 hours after the press conference in the city, 30 complaints related to household chemical poisoning were registered.

The next day, journalists asked the head of the White House to comment on his statement. Trump said his words should be taken as "a question with sarcasm addressed to a group of hostile people, in particular the fake media."

A video has become popular on social networks in which Deborah Birks, who attended the press conference, does not hide her surprise from Trump's statement.

Here is Dr. Birx's reaction when President Trump asks his science advisor to study using UV light on the human body and injecting disinfectant to fight the coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/MVno5X7JMA

- Daniel Lewis (@ Daniel_Lewis3) April 24, 2020

On April 27, US President Donald Trump said that he was not responsible for any surge in the use of disinfectants improperly after he dangerously suggested that taking such funds could serve as a treatment for coronavirus, writes CNN.

When asked about the increase in the number of detergent poisoning, asked at a press conference in the White House, Trump said: “I can’t imagine why.”

When asked if he was taking responsibility for the growth of such cases, Trump replied: “No, I don’t.”

“Do not aggravate a situation so bad”

Employees of medical institutions, health authorities and relevant departments, as well as politicians and public figures, began hastily to refute the words of the US president.

Washington authorities have warned of the inadmissibility of eating capsules with washing powder or injection of any kind of disinfectant.

“Just don’t make a bad situation worse,” the state said in a statement.

Photo: twitter.com/waEMD

Employees at Harvard University recalled that injections with bleach will lead to hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) and liver damage, and many disinfectants can cause burns to the gastric mucosa.

On the subject: Arizona resident dies after attempting to treat COVID-19 with aquarium cleaner

Photo: twitter.com/Harvard_Tox

Most likely, Donald Trump’s main rival in the upcoming elections did not stand aside. Former US vice president and sole Democratic candidate Joe Biden tweeted: “I can't believe I have to say this, but please don't drink bleach.”

Photo: twitter.com/JoeBiden

Representatives of the expert community urge citizens to use household chemicals with care, recalling that cleaning and disinfecting agents are dangerous if they enter the body.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also stresses that there is no evidence that coronavirus can be transmitted with food. Specialists of the department clarify that as a precaution you can wipe the packaging of products (including cans) with disinfectants, and fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed under running water.

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