Disinfection/spray tunnels

Anelich Consulting concerns and opinions on disinfection/spray tunnels (8 May 2020):

• There is no rationale for spraying people and their clothing with disinfectants.
• There is lack of evidence to suggest that this kind of treatment would reduce a person’s ability to transmit the virus.
• Concerns exist on the type of disinfectants used, particularly as most service providers do not divulge the type of disinfectant and concentrations used.
• Some service providers claim compliance to SABS standards and that the public should have confidence in that statement.  It is worth noting that the majority of SABS standards apply to disinfectants and detergents for use on inanimate surfaces, not for use on people. The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) only registers (by law) disinfectants for use on inanimate surfaces.
• There is a significant risk that such treatments could cause severe problems with allergies, asthmatic attacks, irritation of eyes and other mucous membranes, skin etc.

Consequently, it is our opinion that there is a greater risk of harming the individual being sprayed with disinfectant, than preventing a perceived mode of transmission of the virus.

The World Health Organization has also echoed our concerns by releasing a similar statement on 16 May 2020.

The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19 published an advisory on 22 May and concurs.