At a press conference on Thursday, US President Donald Trump suggested studying the possibility of introducing disinfectants as one of the methods of treating the coronavirus. Experts say his advice could have deadly consequences. Manufacturers and regulators have also said that ingesting detergents is extremely dangerous. Introducing a disinfectant into the body can lead to poisoning and death, but it will not help in treatment, doctors warn.
Donald Trump also suggested considering the use of ultraviolet radiation for treatment, but it is dangerous to the skin. Household chemical manufacturers urged people not to consume their products under any circumstances. At a press conference Thursday, William Bryan, director of the Office of Scientific Research at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, spoke about how sunlight and disinfectants, including alcohol and bleach, quickly and effectively destroy the coronavirus on surfaces.
Press conference at the White House on April 23. Then the president took the microphone. He proposed to try non-standard therapy – irradiation of the patient’s internal organs with light or ultraviolet rays. He then suggested that the virus could be defeated by injecting disinfectants – or somehow consuming them internally. “I’m not a doctor. But I’m fine up here,” Trump said, pointing to his head. The next day, Friday, journalists asked Trump to comment on these statements – and he explained that his words should not be taken seriously. “I asked the question sarcastically to reporters like you, just to see what would happen,” said the president of the United States. We explain quickly, simply, and clearly what happened, why it matters, and what happens next. The number of offers should remain: episodes. End of story Promotional Podcasts
Excessive ultraviolet radiation can be dangerous to the skin, and doctors warn against the use of antiseptics, isopropyl alcohol, or chlorine bleach, which can be fatal. “For the respiratory system, nothing can be worse than inhaling chlorine bleach,” pulmonologist John Balms told the Bloomberg agency. “The airways and lungs cannot withstand the effects of the disinfectant, even in aerosol form.” “Bleach or isopropyl alcohol are not safe, even in highly diluted form. The idea is completely absurd,” he added.
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States reported that the number of complaints of poisoning from disinfectants in the country has risen sharply since the beginning of the pandemic. Once again, doctors have warned Americans about the dangers of using such products. Commercial companies often prefer not to engage in public debate with Donald Trump, but in this case, disinfectant manufacturers did not stay on the sidelines and urged people not to consume their products internally. “Our disinfectants and hygiene products should be used strictly as intended and according to instructions,” warns the British company Reckitt Benckiser, which owns popular cleaning brands Lysol and Dettol in America.
Trump is not the first time trying to give advice in the field of medicine: earlier he suggested treating Covid-19 with the help of hydroxychloroquine – a drug derived from chloroquine, which is used in the fight against malaria. The World Health Organization does not approve the use of this drug in the fight against the virus; there is no evidence that it is effective against coronavirus infection. In addition, on Friday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a special clarification stating that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine should not be prescribed to patients with Covid-19 except in a hospital setting. The agency had previously allowed their use in hospitals for treatment or clinical trials on an exceptional basis. It is noted that these drugs have serious side effects, such as cardiac arrhythmias, and therefore their use is only possible in a hospital setting under constant medical supervision. “President Trump has repeatedly said that Americans should consult with their doctors about treatment for the coronavirus. He emphasized this idea during yesterday’s briefing,” said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. “The media is irresponsibly taking President Trump’s words out of context and spinning the negativity into headlines – let them handle it,” she added.