PAHO echoes warning against chlorine products as COVID-19 cure

—chemicals can lead to adverse effects if ingested or inhaled

—no evidence remedy has any healing benefits

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, August 6, 2020

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is currently concerned over a recurrence of misinformation on COVID-19 cures and treatment.

According to a statement released by PAHO, products containing chlorine dioxide only or combined with other chemicals, are continually being marketed as a ‘miracle’ cure for COVID-19 and associated illnesses, despite previous warnings.

PAHO has re-issued a warning against the use of chlorine dioxide, a gas used as a bleach in water treatment plants, and sodium hypochlorite, a disinfectant marketed as household bleach, as well as, other chlorine products for treating the disease.

“PAHO does not recommend oral or parenteral use of chlorine dioxide or sodium chlorite-based products for patients with suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 or for anyone else,” the organisation stated.

It was recommended that persons avoid and desist from consuming products containing chlorine or related substances as they could be toxic if ingested and can lead to a variety of health problems.

“There is no evidence of their effectiveness and the ingestion or inhalation of such products could cause serious adverse effects,” PAHO reminded.

Health ministries and authorities are also being called upon to issue the necessary alerts, regulatory actions and sanctions to avoid occurrence or recurrence of such activities. Further, individuals and organizations are being asked to desist from marketing false notions.