Spraying objects with disinfectants not dangerous to people -Duque

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday clarified that spraying inanimate objects with disinfectants as a preventive measure against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not dangerous to people.

Duque made the remark to clear up public confusion regarding the DOH's earlier advisory against spraying and misting as a disinfection method to prevent catching the disease.

During the virtual meeting of the House Defeat COVID-19 Committee, Duque said the DOH is advising against spraying and misting only on people due to health complications it may cause.

"Pero yung pag-sspray sa inanimate objects, sa mga lamesa, kung saan-saan, hindi naman ito delikado sa mga tao," he said.

"Yun namang spraying tsaka misting, pwede lang yun sa tao [kapag] naka-complete personal protective equipment katulad ng mga nakikita natin sa mga ospital. Pero kapag walang PPEs, hindi pwedeng i-sprayan," he added.

According to Duque, spraying and misting on people could cause skin irritations and lesions and trigger asthmatic attacks and may be dangerous for people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

He added that spraying or misting may also cause what he called "aerosoling."

"Pwedeng yung tao ay may dalang mikrobyo o may dalang COVID virus ay biglang naubo o nahatsing dahil nga may misting, pwedeng umikot-ikot yung virus at yung susunod na tao ay pwedeng malanghap niya at magkakasakit din siya," he said.

Even as there is no danger in spraying objects, Duque advised that it is better to just wipe surfaces with disinfectants.

As of Thursday, there are a total of 5,660 cases of COVID-19 reported in the Philippines, with 362 deaths and 435 recoveries. -MDM, GMA News