The role of disinfectants and sanitizers during COVID-19 pandemic: advantages and deleterious effects on humans and the environment

Abstract

Disinfectants and sanitizers are essential preventive agents against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; however, the pandemic crisis was marred by undue hype, which led to the indiscriminate use of disinfectants and sanitizers. Despite demonstrating a beneficial role in the control and prevention of COVID-19, there are crucial concerns regarding the large-scale use of disinfectants and sanitizers, including the side effects on human and animal health along with harmful impacts exerted on the environment and ecological balance. This article discusses the roles of disinfectants and sanitizers in the control and prevention of the current pandemic and highlights updated disinfection techniques against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This article provides evidence of the deleterious effects of disinfectants and sanitizers exerted on humans, animals, and the environment as well as suggests mitigation strategies to reduce these effects. Additionally, potential technologies and approaches for the reduction of these effects and the development of safe, affordable, and effective disinfectants are discussed, particularly, eco-friendly technologies using nanotechnology and nanomedicine.

Comprehensive insight into triclosan—from widespread occurrence to health outcomes

“…Besides the differences in regulations of some cases, it presents a real challenge to ensure compliance and additional efforts that could be required. Today, disinfectants and antiseptic wash products are essential in the control and prevention of devastating spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus (Dhama et al 2021 ). However, the excessive use and disposal of TCS containing disinfectants and antiseptics raise concerns to the negative effects on the human health and the environment (Mukherjee et al 2021 ).…”

Phytoremediation of Toxic Metals: A Sustainable Green Solution for Clean Environment

“…This procedure described the toxic metals that accumulate in plants and are removed when harvested [98,99]. Because they require long-term treatment, highly contaminated regions such as shipbreaking yards can be considered for the phytoextraction procedure [100,101]. The phytoextraction technique can remove trace metals such as Cr, Cd, Cu, Co, Ag, Zn, Ni, Mo, Pb, and Hg [102].…”

“…The phytoextraction technique can remove trace metals such as Cr, Cd, Cu, Co, Ag, Zn, Ni, Mo, Pb, and Hg [102]. Plants such as Aviciennia alba and Acanthus ilicifolius [101] that can store metals in their aerial biomass (Table 3) are strong contenders for the phytoextraction process [98,99]. Mobile metals in roots enter the xylem tissue, where they are then translocated from roots to shoot and leaf tissues [71].…”

H2O2 generation enhancement by ultrasonic nebulisation with a zinc layer for spray disinfection

“…Nebulisation is also a common air disinfection method in which a disinfectant such as ethanol, sodium hypochlorite or peroxyacetic acid, is nebulised [4] , [5] . Most chemical disinfectants are highly toxic and pose a risk of generating persistent residues [6] . In contrast, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is known as a green oxidant because its degradation products are only oxygen and water and is relatively safe and environmentally friendly compared with other disinfectants.…”