Pattern of disinfectants use and their adverse effects on the consumers after COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract

Background and objective The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern of disinfectants use within outbreak of COVID-19 and estimate their adverse effects on the consumer's health. Methods In this descriptive-analytical study, 1090 participants were entered into the study without age and gender limitations. A researcher-made electronic checklist containing 43 questions was applied to collect data. The checklist included three sections: demographic characteristics (8 questions), disinfection of body and non-living surfaces (21 questions), and adverse effects of disinfectants on health (15 questions). Results 87% of participants used the incorrect proportions of water and alcohol to make this disinfectant available at home. The percentage of people with wrong proportion of sodium hypochlorite was 74.2%. Approximately 42% of participants experienced at least one disorder on their hands, feet, eyes, respiratory or gastrointestinal systems after sequential uses of disinfectants. The most common disorders among the participants were found to be skin dryness (76.3%), obsession (42.2%), skin itching (41.2%), coughing (41.1%), and eyes irritation (39.5%). The mean frequency of hand washing and hand disinfecting were 15.28 and 10.74 times per a day, respectively, and the clean-up in case of surfaces was 2.99 times a day. The frequency of hand washing and disinfecting in women group (16.4 and 11.2 times a day) were higher than in men (14.0 and 10.3 times a day) group. In addition, these self-care actions in married people (15.6 and 11.0 times a day) were higher compared to those in single people (14.0 and 10.6 times a day). Conclusion Being unaware of participants with instruction for preparation and use disinfectants may harm their health. Therefore, it is suggested that the authorities provide the necessary training program for public through official media.

COVID‐19 as an occupational disease

“…The largest reported increases were for inhalation incidents, cleaning products with bleach, and disinfecting nonalcohol products and hand sanitizers, particularly in early in March 2020 when stay‐at‐home orders began. Related respiratory concerns, as well as dermatological complaints, have manifested in diverse geographic regions across the globe 74‐76 …”

Methods to disinfect and decontaminate SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review of in vitro studies

“…35 In a descriptive study of 1090 Iranian participants, 87% of participants used the incorrect proportion of water and alcohol to make disinfectants at home and 42% experienced at least one disorder of their hands, feet, eyes, respiratory or gastrointestinal systems after sequential uses of disinfectants. 36 Furthermore, there are concerns that antibacterial hand sanitisers may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria and loss of a barrier to protect against coronavirus. 37 In the report by Samara et al 33 it was suggested that the ideal disinfectant should have low toxicity profile with short- and long-term exposure, and that there is no safe chemical, so there is a need to enhance consumer awareness and develop disinfectants that are less harmful to humans and the environment.…”

Unravelling the Enigma of Hand Sanitizer In COVID-19 – A Bibliometric Analysis of Related Publications Over the Year

“…Sanitizer formulation containing tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine has been known to be connected with occupational allergic contact dermatitis (Antelmi et al 2020). A study in the early phase of Covid-19 reveals episodic experiences one or other form of side effects on frequent hand washing and sanitization such as skin dryness, obsession, skin itching, coughing, and eye irritation (Dindarloo et al 2020).…”