Disinfectants are a common tool used to ensure surfaces both in our homes and in the hospital are clean of microorganisms. It was surprising to the world when The President of the United States Donald Trump mentioned that injecting disinfectant to clear the body of COVID-19 was something that was going to be looked into. Its fast action on the virus was specifically mentioned by Trump. A large majority of the public pushback was directed at the President for stating this was a course of action. You should not inject or ingest disinfectant for self treatment.
This warning comes with a perfectly simple explanation. Disinfectants fall into a group of chemicals which are deliberately used to disrupt living cells. This covers both bacteria and viruses but also your cells. The two mentioned disinfectants were Isopropyl alcohol and bleach. Commonly used in the house bleach when injected directly into the bloodstream can cause acute kidney damage or blood clots. Furthermore it heavily impairs the body’s ability to carry oxygen to key systems as red blood cells rupture. Isopropyl alcohol also has similar effects when injected but the added danger of alcohol poisoning if large enough dosages were applied.
The findings for injections of disinfectant are rare due to the unethical nature of putting a human being through its effects, it is more common for it to be taken orally. Where both items overlap is their effects on the oesophagus and stomach. Which includes bleeding and damage of the stomach lining and burns all the way down the oesophagus.
Where we most often see disinfectants injected is when used by long term drug abusers to “clean” the opiods from their body. A case study from the University of Texas shared a case where just 1ml of bleach caused pain in the left side of his body and experienced vomiting due to the injection.
If you’re trying to protect yourself from the virus, the disinfectants you use would better serve you outside your body than in. Do not mistake protection for a cure. It is important that in treating anyone for any disease first we do no harm!
