Portals carry health risks : WHO

‘Sterilization gates, rooms ineffective’

KUWAIT CITY, May 26: Assistant Undersecretary for Drug and Food Control Affairs at the Ministry of Health Dr Abdullah Al-Badr said the sterilization gates and rooms installed in the entrances of public places have not been proven effective in curbing the spread of coronavirus, reports Al-Rai daily.

Al-Badr pointed out the statement issued by the Infection Prevention and Sterilization Department, which was based on international studies and references, revealed that sterilization gates and rooms which spray chemical disinfectants might be harmful to human health.

He said the World Health Organization (WHO) warned against using these portals, because they are not useful in preventing the spread of the virus. He quoted WHO as stressing that the use of such portals has many health risks; considering most of the materials utilized are intended for disinfection of surfaces, not the human body.

He explained the process of randomly spraying purified chemical on a person from all directions within a specified period may lead to inhalation or it could reach other parts of the body; thereby, causing harm to human health.

He warned such substances could be more harmful for the elderly, children, pregnant or those suffering from respiratory diseases if they are exposed to these substances. He asserted that spraying antiseptic has no effect on the virus inside the body; hence, passing through the sterilization gates does not prevent transmitting the virus from one person to another.

He underscored the need to strictly adhere to all preventive measures as follows: wear masks, wash and disinfect the hands frequently, use approved antiseptics, avoid touching the face, and observe social distancing to prevent coronavirus infection.