September 22, 2021 8:54 AM
GEORGE TOWN: All sanitiser guns should carry warning labels to remind users that the liquid should not be sprayed on people, a consumer advocate said today, following warnings from experts on its adverse effects on health.

The health ministry, too, has warned about the ill-effects of the contents of such sprays, typically bleach, when it comes into contact with the skin or is inhaled.
Yesterday, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said such sprays from sanitiser guns can be used for surface cleaning but that manual wipe downs were still the best way to disinfect surfaces.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Marimuthu Nadason said that besides clear warning labels, the government should keep a close eye on those selling the nano-mist sanitiser guns online or in shops.

He said there were listings that showed false claims such as it being safe to use on human bodies and that certification had been obtained from the health ministry and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

Speaking to FMT, Marimuthu said the types of chemicals being sold together with these devices must be monitored, as it might be a lethal mix.

He said that online shopping malls should also carry warnings above all listings and remove those that carry false claims.

Marimuthu added that sellers must carry important specifications, such as chemical type, how it should be stored, and other safety requirements in a clearly visible portion of the online malls selling the sanitiser guns and chemicals.

He called for the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry, along with the health ministry, to order these online malls to do so and at the same time check online listings to spot offenders.

“The consumer must also be more aware. They should tell those who are trying to spray the chemicals on them that it is not good. There is no substitute to regular hand washing and physical distancing in combating Covid-19,” he said.
Cheap disinfection solutions

Meanwhile, disinfection expert LT Leong said consumers should avoid hiring anyone offering cheap disinfection services for residential and commercial premises, as the solutions used might be ineffective.

The former Pentagon staff and defence contractor said cheap solutions often end up damaging surfaces as they use extremely corrosive materials, causing irreversible damage to fabrics, metals, and fraying carpets.

Some of these liquids could easily destroy items that are sprayed on within six months, he said, adding that the end result would be costly replacement of furniture, electronic devices and other items.

According to Leong, one should always ask the disinfecting company what materials are being used and cross-check later with the US Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) website, as per the health director-general’s recommendation recently.

He said this was to see if the liquid being used to sanitise areas was effective against pathogens as well as to understand the safety standards required.

“During the pandemic, it is important to disinfect all surfaces, high-touch areas, all equipment, and to do so in an efficient, effective, and quick manner.

“There are hundreds of companies that claim to be experts but are using cheap methods. But are they really protecting you?

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” he added.

Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/09/22/all-sanitiser-guns-must-come-with-warning-label-says-fomca/