Evaluating interest in off-label use of disinfectants for COVID-19

Abstract

In February, 2020, during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made recommendations to clean and disinfect frequently-handled objects, which triggered nationwide panic buying of disinfectant products such as Clorox and Lysol. Numerous regu latory agencies and public health organisations (eg, CDC, US Food and Drug Administration, US Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the American Association of Poison Control Centers [AAPCC]) have repeatedly advised against ingestion and other off-label use of disinfectants and cleaning products. However, during a White House press briefing on April 23, 2020, President Trump implied that the White House Coronavirus Task Force should investigate injections of disinfectant as a potential treatment for COVID-19. 1 Health communication research shows that ideological and political affiliations can widen the divide between acquired knowledge and an individual's beliefs regarding public health behaviours and outcomes. 2 Political leaders, especially the president of the USA, can command media attention and direct public health policy. 3 During public health emergencies, imprecise communication of emerging research by government leadership can cast doubt on reputable sources of scientific information. 2,3 Additionally, as the so-called Spiral of Silence theory purports, those in positions of authority can influence social dynamics and public opinion on controversial issues. 4 Government leaders who openly question scien tific consensus on an important issue can increase anxiety and perceptions of threat among the public, undermining the effect of accurate information and encouraging risky behaviours. 3 Rapidly evolving information related to the pandemic has led to confusion regarding appropriate public health measures and behaviours for stopping the spread of COVID-19. People tend to use motivated reasoning, such that new information consistent with their opinions is considered stronger than information inconsistent with previous beliefs (ie, confirmation bias) regardless of its objective accuracy, and individuals have little incentive to spend excessive time and effort in seeking and processing technical information. 3 During

How COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy Has Affected Type of Calls and Management of Toxic Exposures: a Retrospective Analysis of a Poison Control Center Database From March 2020 to May 2020

“…This is consistent with the increase in the number of consultations for cleaning products and disinfectants in North America [ 3 , 17 , 18 ] and Europe [ 19 ] in the same period. Misinformation spread by the media on hygiene practices could have played a significant role in this phenomenon [ 20 – 22 ], although we did not specifically evaluate this effect on our data. Also, public knowledge on safe and proper use of sanitizing chemicals has been questioned [ 23 ].…”

Assessment of eco-toxic effects of commonly used water disinfectant on zebrafish (Danio rerio) swimming behaviour and recovery responses: an early-warning biomarker approach

“…The environmental spreading of the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) on humans can be prevented by disinfectants. Thus, regulatory agencies and public health organisations made recommendations to disinfect regularly handling objects and boarding places with household bleach, soaps, alcohol wipes, and handwash (Rivera et al 2020 ; Eldeirawi et al 2021 ). Among different kinds of disinfectants (alcohols, aldehydes, bases, biguanides, chlorine, glycols, iodophors, metal ions, organic acids, phenolic compounds, surfactants, thiazoles), the use of chlorine-based disinfectants (> 0.5 mg/L residual free chlorine) increased globally during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (Christen et al 2017 ; Dhama et al 2021 ).…”

News Coverage and Drug Shortages during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Spikes in Internet searches, previously demonstrated as a potential proxy for medication purchase intent, 5,6 suggest that news influenced individuals to research and acquire DPRCT that they can purchase directly. In contrast, DRPCT that could only be stockpiled by institutions did not exhibit search spikes prior to shortages.…”