KOSHA Warns "Methanol for COVID-19 Prevention? Beware of Misinformation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) urged caution on the 22nd against damage caused by misinformation, such as using methanol (industrial alcohol) for COVID-19 disinfection.

On the 7th, an acute poisoning incident occurred in a household in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, due to the use of methanol for COVID-19 disinfection.

This misuse case happened when methanol and water were mixed at a 9:1 ratio in a spray bottle and used indoors to disinfect furniture and bedding without recognizing the harmfulness of the substance.

Using harmful substances like methanol incorrectly can cause health damage, so special caution is required.

Methanol is a highly flammable, colorless liquid that irritates the eyes and respiratory tract, and prolonged or repeated exposure can cause damage to the central nervous system and optic nerves as a toxic substance.

In Iran, in early March, a false rumor that methanol was effective for COVID-19 treatment led to about 40 people dying after drinking disinfectants arbitrarily made with methanol.

KOSHA plans to provide guidance through its website and SNS to prevent the use of methanol as a disinfectant in workplaces and to spread risk alerts to workplaces handling methanol.

Kim Eun-ah, Director of KOSHA, said, "Recently, damage caused by unverified misinformation related to COVID-19 has been occurring," adding, "It is necessary to refrain from using unverified substances or information and to use safe information provided by the government or official institutions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.