Consequences of chemical impact of disinfectants: safe preventive measures against COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created a significant threat to global health. It originated in Wuhan, China and caused a total of 83,483 confirmed cases and 4634 deaths until June 2020. This novel virus spread primarily through respiratory droplets and close contact. The person-to-person transmission by direct transmittance through cough, sneeze, droplet inhalation, and contact spreading from dry surfaces contaminated with secretions of nose, mouth, and eyes of an infected person has been proven about SARS-CoV-2 transmission. As disease progressed, a series of complications tends to develop, especially in critically ill and immunocompromised patients. Pathological studies showed representative features of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and implications on multiple organs as well. However, no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines are immediately available for the treatment of this lethal disease. The efficacy of some promising antivirals needs to be investigated by ongoing clinical trials. In current circumstances, supportive care, precautions, and social distancing are the only preventive options to ameliorate COVID-19. To disinfect the environment, mainly chemical disinfectants are being used robustly. However, due to panic state, fright, and unawareness, people are using it violently, which can have an adverse effect on human health and environment. This review discusses about the potential harmful effect of disinfectants, if used inappropriately. Here, we will also discuss safe preventive options as an alternative to robust use of disinfection methods to fight against COVID-19.

COVID‐19 as an occupational disease

“…The largest reported increases were for inhalation incidents, cleaning products with bleach, and disinfecting nonalcohol products and hand sanitizers, particularly in early in March 2020 when stay‐at‐home orders began. Related respiratory concerns, as well as dermatological complaints, have manifested in diverse geographic regions across the globe 74‐76 …”

Electrolyzed Water Generated On-Site as a Promising Disinfectant in the Dental Office During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…EW does not lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance, unlike genotoxic chemicals. However, EW, like other chlorine-based disinfectants, should not be mixed with ammonia-based products as chloramines can be released; in large EW generator units in which a large amount of chlorine gas is emitted, it is recommended to use a standard-type extractor fan to avoid the accumulation of toxic gas (17,33). EW is not flammable and can be stored without health risks, but it should be kept in closed vessels to preserve its potency by preventing chlorine gas evaporation and contact with the atmosphere (16).…”

Efficacy of frontline chemical biocides and disinfection approaches for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern that cause coronavirus disease with the emergence of opportunities for green eco-solutions

“…As such, cleaning is an essential prerequisite for disinfection to remove contaminating organic matter. In healthcare settings disinfection agents in use include high pressure steam sterilisation, dry heat, UV-light, ethylene oxide (EtO) gas, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and biocidal chemicals [ 41 ] ( Table 4 ).…”

“…The EPA has approved various chemical biocide for use domestically and clinically to reduce coronavirus transmission including quaternary ammonium (QACs), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), peroxyacetic acid, isopropanol (IPA), ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, octanoic acid, phenolic, amongst others [ 41 ]. Viral inactivation is resultant from disruption of the cell structure, destruction of the lipid envelope, protein coagulation, nucleic acid and protein denaturation [ 23 ] ( Tables 3 and 4 ).…”