Fumigating outdoor spaces not recommended to kill #COVID-19 virus – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO), said spraying or fumigation of outdoor spaces, such as streets or marketplaces, is not recommended to kill the COVID-19 virus or other pathogens as disinfectant is inactivated by dirt and debris.

A document released by WHO said disinfecting open surfaces as part of the response to the virus can be ineffective.

It further confirmed that declared that spraying disinfectant on streets and open spaces does not eliminate coronavirus and even poses a health risk.

It will be recalled, that, many countries including Nigeria have embarked on massive fumigation of streets and open spaces shortly after the disease became a pandemic.

The document also stresses that spraying individuals with disinfectants is “not recommended under any circumstances”.

“This could be physically and psychologically harmful and would not reduce an infected person’s ability to spread the virus through droplets or contact,” said the document.

Mike Ryan and Tedro opined that “Spraying or fumigation of outdoor spaces, such as streets or marketplaces, is not recommended to kill the COVID-19 virus or other pathogens because disinfectant is inactivated by dirt and debris.

“Even in the absence of organic matter, chemical spraying is unlikely to adequately cover all surfaces for the duration of the required contact time needed to inactivate pathogens.” the statement in part read.

The world health body explained that streets and pavements are not considered as “reservoirs of infection” of COVID-19, adding that spraying disinfectants, even outside, can be “dangerous for human health”.

“If disinfectants are to be applied, this should be done with a cloth or wipe that has been soaked in disinfectant,” it says.

The organization warned that spraying chlorine or other toxic chemicals on people can cause eye and skin irritation, bronchospasm and gastrointestinal effects.

Studies have shown that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of the pandemic that has killed more than 300,000 people worldwide since its appearance in late December in China, can attach itself to surfaces and objects.