It Is Not Recommended to Spray Disinfectants on People, Says Armenian Ministry of Health

The Armenian Ministry of Health has issued a statement advising against spraying disinfectants on individuals. According to the temporary recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) released on May 15, one should not perform disinfection of surfaces or closed areas using fine mist spraying or aerosol disinfectants in the fight against COVID-19.

Studies indicate that fine mist spraying as a primary disinfection method is ineffective as it does not ensure disinfection of areas not directly sprayed. Moreover, the spraying of disinfectants poses risks of eye damage, irritation of the respiratory tract and skin, leading to serious health consequences.

Under no circumstances is it recommended to spray people with disinfectants, such as those found in disinfectant tunnels, tents, or booths. Such disinfection methods can have harmful physical or psychological effects and do not affect the virus release by an infected person or its further droplet or contact-based transmission.

Additionally, spraying substances containing chlorine or other toxic chemicals on people can lead to eye and skin irritation, and if inhaled, may cause bronchospasm as well as gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea and vomiting.