Delhi HC asks to treat as representation plea on WHO guidelines for disinfectants
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (June 10) asked the Centre as well as the Delhi government to treat as representation a plea seeking the proper implementation of the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on spraying disinfectants in public places, offices and even on individuals.
A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan, conducting a hearing through video conferencing, directed the authorities to examine into the representation keeping in tandem with the WHO guidelines.
The court disposed of Susheel Mahajan’s plea filed, through advocates N Pradeep Sharma and Harsh K Sharma, saying that the disinfectants are chemicals which destroy disease causing pathogens and harmful microorganisms. So it is advised that spraying of disinfectants on individuals or groups is not recommended under any circumstances as it is psychologically and physically harmful.
The plea claimed that even if a person is potentially exposed to corona virus, spraying the external part of the body does not kill the virus which has entered the body. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that they are effective even in disinfecting the outer clothing in an effective manner. Spraying of chlorine on individuals can lead to irritation skin, eyes and can cause potentially gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting.
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As per the guidelines issued by the WHO and the Central government, 70 per cent of alcohol can be used to wipe down surfaces where the use of bleach is not suitable. It said that while carrying out cleaning and disinfection work, appropriate PPE should be worn and freshly prepared one per cent sodium hypochloride solution should be used.
It is also recommended to wear the disposable rubber boots, gloves (heavy duty), and a triple layer mask, which should be removed and discarded after every use, to minimize the possibility of any infection.
The petition sought the direction to the authorities to not allow the installation of any ultraviolet radiation tunnel at public places or offices or any other place for the safety of people’s health as a direct exposure to such unmanned radiations can generate cancer. It further sought to not allow any installation of a chemical chamber or a tunnel at public places or offices because the use of chemical tunnels is dangerous to humans.
