INSECT SPRAY CAN KILL VIRUS SAYS MINISTER
Military scientists discover chemical in common repellent fights off Covid-19
A NATURAL ingredient in a £10 insect repellent can kill the Covid-19 virus, scientists have found.
The discovery, made by experts at the Government’s military research facility Porton Down, Wiltshire, could provide millions of people with another layer of protection against the deadly disease.
Defence minister Jeremy Quin said that Citriodiol killed the virus and acted as a barrier for four hours. Mosi-guard’s natural elements started to attack the coronavirus – which causes Covid-19 – within one minute
and reduced the amount of virus detectable during tests, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory said in preliminary findings released yesterday.
British Armed Forces personnel were given the insect repellant as an extra layer of protection against the virus at the start of the pandemic as a precaution.
Military chiefs then commissioned tests to discover how effective Citriodiol was against Covid19 as it was already known to kill other types of virus.
On the back of the successful study the scientists said they are now “hopeful that the findings can be used as a springboard for other organisations to expand and develop the research”.
The researchers who produce Citriodiol said they were “very excited” by these results and will also ramp up testing. Mr Quin told the Daily Express: “The latest research shows that sprays containing Citriodiol, which have been made available to MOD units engaged in the Covid response, can kill the virus.
“Citriodiol is known to have anti-microbial properties and has previously been shown to be effective against Sars.
“It has now been tested specifically against Covid-19, with tests showing it is likely to be effective at reducing the virus on skin.
“Defence has played a wide variety of roles in supporting efforts to tackle coronavirus and we have strived to ensure our personnel have the most effective protection possible.
“We have adopted a layered approach to protecting our personnel that includes the use of Citriodiol, in addition to providing PPE and following Public Health England guidelines.
“We are sharing our preliminary findings so others can take forward additional research to confirm and expand on our findings.
“I am proud that this is yet another example of Defence sourcing innovative ways to keep people safe.”
Scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory carried out two experiments on the product at the Porton Down facility near Salisbury.
They assessed its anti-viral activity when applied directly to the virus as a liquid drop, and also assessed the product following its application to latex synthetic skin. Higher concentrations of Citriodiol killed the virus, researchers found, and left no recoverable amount on the latex skin.
Citrefine International, the Leeds-based company which produces Citriodiol, said: “The first trial confirmed that Mosi-Guard Natural, traditionally sold as an insect repellent containing 30 per cent Citriodiol, has a significant effect on the virus.
“Of the 100,000 live virus particles present in the test, after one minute only 10 were left active.” Managing director Jacqueline Watson said: “We are very excited and have several new studies going through laboratories or planned.”
The mosquito spray is not a sufficient protection on its own.
It is used by the military as an added layer along with face masks, hand washing and other techniques to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Dr Matthew Lloyd, from the University of Bath, said there is “definitely an effect” of Mosi-Guard to a “very high” significance.