In a recent policy document, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed concern surrounding the safety and efficacy of sanitation tunnels developed to combat the spread of COVID-19 in public places.
Sanitation tunnels spray users with a mist of either disinfectant, or aerosolised antiseptic, and are usually situated at entries to public places.
Despite the wide-spread use of sanitation tunnels in China, the FDA indicate:
“Given the serious safety concerns and the lack of data to demonstrate that sanitation tunnels are effective in reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection or in treating COVID-19, FDA strongly discourages the use or development of sanitation tunnels at this time.”
Specifically, the FDA stress aerosolising disinfectants can irritate the eyes, skin, and airways. Notably, the regulator continues,
“airway irritation could cause coughing that may facilitate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2”.
Further, the FDA warn against aerosolising ‘human antiseptic drugs’, like hand sanitiser, as its inhalation could cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. The regulator also cautions that aerosolised alcohol-based hand sanitiser could affect the eyes.
Beyond immediate safety concerns, the FDA highlight:
“there are concerns regarding a person’s ability to adequately review product labeling [sic], including important safety information, and consent to treatment before walking through a sanitation tunnel."
Though the FDA has left the door open to the possibility of further development in the space, the regulator appears steadfast at this time.
Will other global regulators mirror the FDA’s policy? Only time will tell.
Komply advises and assists clients in end-to-end quality assurance, registration, regulatory, compliance, and commercialisation matters in human and veterinary applications.
Contact us directly at info@komplyaus.com for more information.
Comments