Gasoline can cause harm if used as a disinfectant –pulmonologist

Published August 04, 2020 11:02 PM

A registered chemist and a pulmonologist warned the public against the use of gasoline as a disinfectant as it may cause harm to the body.

In MJ Geronimo’s Tuesday report on “Stand for Truth,” chemist Alvin Gallardo said he has yet to discover a study on the use of gasoline as a disinfectant.

“Ang known uses ng gasoline, every day, ginagamit ng mga transportation vehicles. Ginagamit din siya ng machinery na fueled by gasoline. Wala pa akong nababasang claims na ang gasoline ay puwedeng disinfectant or antiseptic,” Gallardo said.

“Ang fuel din o ang gasoline ay puwedeng tubuan ng certain type ng microorganizms kaya minsan naglalagay ng additives na disinfectant na anti-microbial o anti-bacterial sa shortage tank ng mga gasoline,” he added.

Gallardo also said that gasoline contains chemical constituents such as carcinogens which may cause serious illnesses.

Meanwhile, pulmonologist Dr. Maricar Limpin said too much exposure to gasoline may even cause death.

“‘Pag nalanghap mo ‘yan, ‘yang gasoline na ‘yan, magke-create siya ng pangangati at tsaka pagsakit ng lalamunan pati na rin ‘yong ilong mo pati na rin ‘yong daaanan ng paghinga,” Limpin said.

“’Pag naging masyadong malaki ang exposure ng pasyente (sa gasoline), maaaring ma-respirator siya at puwede ring mamatay,” she added.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte insisted that gasoline can be used as a disinfectant.

At a briefing with Cabinet officials in Malacañang on July 31, Duterte said gas can be an alternative to alcohol.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and the Department of Health later said that the President was joking when he claimed that face masks can be disinfected using gasoline. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News

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