Bleach "is like using a bludgeon to swat a fly," one expert explains. Coronavirus prevention is the priority for most world governments at present, as COVID-19 cases crop up in nearly every continent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a list of disinfectants to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.According to the EPA, products on the list have "qualified for use against COVID-19" through the agency's Emerging Viral Pathogen program where manufacturers provide the EPA with data that "shows their products are effective against harder-to-kill viruses. Myths about cures have run rampant, but can bleach really kill viruses and bacteria? An image of the COVID-19 virus, which can last on surfaces for up to nine days but can be destroyed with a dilute chlorine bleach solution Image courtesy of the CDC Public Health Image Library, Alissa Eckert, MS, Dan Higgins, MAMS. But it’s unclear whether bleach destroys coronaviruses outside, and if it does kill them on surfaces it's unclear whether it would kill viruses in the air.
In total, more than 134,000 people have contracted the deadly disease.
The World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic this week as Donald Trump implemented a European travel ban, Italy declared a nationwide lockdown and More than 60 countries have reported infections as of March 4, risking millions of lives, with many worried they may need to self-isolate.People around the UK have expressed their concerns as case numbers rapidly increase, with a jump of 35 overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday this week.UK citizens have presented a range of reactions to the virus, ranging from blind panic to collectedness.Among those most worried are those with chronic health conditions and health anxiety, while some with the least concern believe they have one indispensable tool to disrupt COVID-19: Bleach.Bleach is the name for any chemical product used to clean on an industrial or domestic scale.The chemical is a powerful solvent, used for ridding surfaces of hard-to-clean grime and dirt.Bleach formulae vary by brand, but most include bactericidal properties, which make them effective disinfectants.Health and government authorities recommend using bleach to clean surfaces which have had suspected contact with COVID-19.The UK government currently advises people clean with the chemical in a well-ventilated area while wearing protective gear such as gloves or face masks.Lisa Maragakis, senior director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins University, urgently warned against gargling with bleach, as it is highly dangerous.Having chemicals used for domestic cleaning on the skin can also pose risks, mainly irritation.For personal protection, doctors advise people to follow government guidelines, which in the UK revolve around increased vigilance on personal hygiene.The NHS tells people to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds at a time, especially after getting home from or arriving into work.If hand washing is not possible, the service advises the usage of hand sanitiser.In public, the NHS urges people to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing, not their hands.People should immediately dispose of used tissues and wash their hands afterwards.Aside from keeping vigilant with personal hygiene, doctors have also recommended people refrain from touching their faces.The often automatic process allows the virus to stick enter through mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and eyes.Mucous membranes serve as viable pathways into the body, and virus particles can enter from vicinity to them.The Government currently does not advise people to use protective gear such as masks or gloves. "The nagency notes there may be additional disinfectants that meet the criteria that could be added to the list.Here are some of the registered disinfectants on the EPA’s list. Coronavirus is now affecting 127 countries and territories around the world. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, "Coronaviruses are what are called enveloped viruses, "meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product," the EPA says.“Using the correct disinfectant is an important part of preventing and reducing the spread of illnesses along with other critical aspects such as hand washing,” EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a The EPA says consumers should follow the directions and pay "close attention to the contact time for the product on the treated surface. People around the UK have expressed their concerns as case numbers rapidly increase, with a jump of 35 overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday this week. order back issues and use the historic Daily Express However, though chlorine can kill most germs, it does not always work immediately. Will bleach kill the new coronavirus?Yes, the Environmental Protection Agency says. The American Chemistry Council's Center for Biocide Chemistries posted a list of disinfectants referred to as "fighting products" at © 2020 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Can bleach kill viruses? ... even though many lack the necessary amount of alcohol—at least 60 percent by volume—to kill viruses. Coronaviruses are what are called enveloped viruses, "meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product," the EPA says.