Scientists Raise Concerns about Popular COVID Disinfectants: What You Need to Know

(CTN News) – If you’re like most people, you’ve spent the past year or so stocking up on disinfectants and sanitizers to keep your home and family safe from COVID.

However, new research suggests that some of the most popular disinfectants might not be as effective as we once thought. Scientists are raising concerns about the safety and efficacy of certain disinfectants and urging consumers to be more cautious when using them.

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live our lives in countless ways. One of the most significant changes has been our increased focus on cleanliness and sanitation.

From washing our hands more frequently to using disinfectants on every surface, we’ve all been doing our part to slow the spread of the virus.

However, recent studies have raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of some of the most popular disinfectants on the market.

As scientists continue to learn more about COVID-19 and how it spreads, it’s becoming clear that not all disinfectants are created equal.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the concerns scientists have raised about popular COVID disinfectants and what you can do to stay safe.

The Scientists Raise Concerns about Popular COVID Disinfectants

One of the primary concerns scientists have raised about popular COVID disinfectants is the potential for these products to contribute to developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

According to a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the active ingredient in many disinfectants, including quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), can promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

This is particularly concerning because antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing threat to public health. These bacteria are more difficult to treat than their non-resistant counterparts and can lead to more severe infections and even death. By promoting the growth of these bacteria, disinfectants could be contributing to the problem.

Another concern that scientists have raised is the potential for disinfectants to cause skin and respiratory irritation.

Many disinfectants contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation and even chemical burns if used improperly. Additionally, inhaling these chemicals can irritate the lungs and lead to respiratory issues.

The Popular COVID Disinfectants Under Scrutiny

So which disinfectants are under scrutiny? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 500 disinfectant products on the market are effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. However, not all of these products are created equal.

Some of the most popular disinfectants, including Lysol and Clorox, contain QACs as their active ingredient.

As we mentioned earlier, QACs have been linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Other disinfectants, like those that contain bleach, can cause skin and respiratory irritation if used improperly.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

So what can you do to stay safe? First and foremost, it’s important to read the label of any disinfectant product before you use it. Look for effective products against SARS-CoV-2 but don’t contain QACs or other potentially harmful chemicals.

Additionally, it’s important to use disinfectants properly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never mix different cleaning products. This can create dangerous chemical reactions that can cause serious harm.

If you’re concerned about the safety of disinfectants, you can also consider alternative cleaning methods. For example, soap and water can be as effective at removing germs from surfaces as disinfectants, and they’re generally safer.