After he suggested using disinfectants as a COVID-19 “cure,” President Donald Trump, while he claimed he was being “sarcastic,” apparently convinced a lot of people. Reports show accidental poisoning calls have more than doubled since his remarks in late April.
As of Tuesday (May 12), hotline calls regarding accidental poisoning from household cleaners and disinfectants directed to The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) have surged over the past two months; nearly doubling the number of cases in March 2019, and more than doubling that in April 2019.
More than 3,400 Americans called hotlines in March 2020, and in April, more than 3,600; normally, the calls ring between 1,600 and 1,700. Fortunately, as of the first week of May, the calls have lessened; so far, showing 966 reported between May 1 and 10, whereas in 2019 they totaled 573.
Furthermore, back in April, Trump suggested that Americans could inject themselves with disinfectants as a way to treat coronavirus. He stated, “I see the disinfectant, where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?”
Since, Lysol has released a statement to consumers, warning against Trump’s suggestion. They stated, “We must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion, or any other route),” Lysol said in a statement. “As with all products, our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines.”
