Debunking Junk Science - Part 1
I have spent some time looking in more detail at the WHO paper, "Cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the context of COVID-19 - Interim guidance - 15 May 2020" specifically on the content, "Spraying disinfectants and other no-touch methods".
I put forward the following comments:
The authors write, "One study has shown that spraying as a primary disinfection strategy is ineffective in removing contaminants outside of direct spray zones. 38 " Ref 38 has nothing to do with spraying.Next sentence:
"Moreover, spraying disinfectants can result in risks to the eyes, respiratory or skin irritation and the resulting health effects. 39"
Ref 39 says:
"The recommended chlorine strength used for spraying was 0.5 % but there was no means of establishing the exact concentration of the mixture. No quantity was defined- spraying continued until the persons were totally soaked and all visible organic matter was washed away."
That is, they were sprayed (or drenched) in what was most likely bleach solution, and in one report that Ebola survivors were "sprayed either prior to or during, transportation in the back of an ambulance with sealed windows and doors en route to the ETU- a trip that could last for 3 h in high temperatures."
I would most likely opt for this treatment rather than contracting Ebola but to suggest that this could be used as evidence for HOCl harm is simply ludicrous.
The next statement of relevance:
"Spraying or fogging of certain chemicals, such as formaldehyde, chlorine-based agents or quaternary ammonium compounds, is not recommended due to adverse health effects on workers in facilities where these methods have been utilized. 40, 41"
Ref 40 is an epidemiological study, which found the greatest relative risk was "predominantly found for the commonly used glass-cleaning, furniture, and air-refreshing sprays."
Also, the only chemical to Covid/HOCl of relevance was "bleach", with a relative risk of clinician diagnosed asthma to be 1.1, CI (0.56−2.17). Commercial bleach should not be compared with pure HOCl.
Finally, the authors state:
"Moreover, spraying individuals with chlorine and other toxic chemicals could result in eye and skin irritation, bronchospasm due to inhalation, and gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting." 40, 45
Ref 45 deals exclusively with domestic bleach, and the statement is therefore accurate but, sadly, irrelevant to the use of pure HOCl.