Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu State government on Friday, April 10 has passed a directive to all District Collectors advising them not to set up disinfectant tunnels which claim to destroy COVID-19 virus.
Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu State government on Friday, April 10th 2020 has passed a directive to all District Collectors advising them not to set up disinfectant tunnels which claim to be disinfecting microbes.
The action comes after media reports by The Federal had raised concerns about the efficacy and toxicity of the disinfectant tunnels. Following this, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami through video conferencing discussed with CMOs regarding the effectiveness of such tunnels and if it really destroys viruses including COVID-19. The experts have apprised the CM that spraying of sodium hypochlorite, the main ingredient used in the tunnels has ‘no scientific proof’ and can be harmful to humans than the virus if the percentage of dilution is changed slightly.
The experts opined that at very low concentration, the chemical compound will not have any effect on the virus. If it is used at a higher level, it can cause irritation to eyes and skin.
Henceforth, the District Collectors have been advised to refrain from setting up such disinfectant tunnels as it may mislead the people that passing through a disinfection tunnel would free them of infections. The directive has asked the Collectors to create awareness on washing hands with soap which has been found to be extremely effective to prevent the spread of the virus.
It may be noted that over 12 disinfectant tunnels have been set up in Coimbatore, Tirupur and The Nilgiris district at market places, government buildings, government and private hospitals. That being said, even today morning three disinfectant tunnels have been opened in Coimbatore today morning