As Americans ramp up cleaning efforts against COVID-19, poison control centers report a sharp rise in accidental exposures to disinfectants.
Washington State confirmed the first U.S. COVID-19 case on January 19, 2020, caused by SARS-CoV-2. By April 23, the CDC had recorded 840,000 cases and 46,500 deaths across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four territories, making the U.S. the pandemic's epicenter.
Essential precautions include frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer. Yet, pandemic-induced panic has led some to overdo these measures, risking serious harm.
Since early March 2020, when COVID-19 surged nationwide, U.S. poison control centers have seen a dramatic increase in calls, per a CDC study.
While not directly attributing the trend to the pandemic, researchers noted exposures rising alongside intense media coverage and reports of disinfectant shortages.
Analyzing calls to 55 centers from January to March 2020 versus 2019 and 2018, the study found disinfectant exposure calls up 20% and 16%, respectively.
Most involved misuse of bleach and hand sanitizers. All ages were affected, but children aged 1-5 were hit hardest.
The study details two typical incidents:
An adult woman, inspired by a TV report on sanitizing groceries, mixed 10% bleach, vinegar, and hot water in her sink, producing toxic chlorine gas. She experienced breathing difficulties, was hospitalized, treated with oxygen and bronchodilators, and released hours later.
A preschool girl ingested hand sanitizer from a kitchen table bottle, causing dizziness, a fall, and unconsciousness. Her blood alcohol level was 3.5 times the legal limit. She spent 48 hours in pediatric ICU before discharge.
CDC researchers urge following label instructions precisely: Use room-temperature water for dilution (unless specified otherwise), never mix chemicals, wear eye and skin protection, ensure good ventilation, and store products away from children.
