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Michigan Poison Center: Don't use these products as disinfectants

Posted at 8:08 AM, Apr 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-07 09:43:44-04

(WXYZ) — The Michigan Poison Center at the Wayne State University School of Medicine is urging people to only use disinfection products intended for household use.

The poison center says many of these products are in short supply, so some people have been resorting to substituting products instead.

It says it continues to receive calls regarding the misuse of automotive products, household and industrial cleaning products and disinfectants, and other household and industrial products.

The poison center says misusing the following products is dangerous and can be life threatening:

  • Antifreeze
  • Chafing fuel
  • Household or industrial cleaning products and disinfectants
  • Lighter fluid
  • Paint thinner
  • Solvents
  • Windshield washer fluid

Misusing the products can cause serious burns to the eyes, skin, mouth, throat and stomach, MPC says. The alcohols in the products are not known to fight COVID-19 and are poisonous. If ingested, it could lead to hospitalization.

If disinfectants are not available, the CDC recommends five tablespoons household regular bleach diluted into a gallon of water or four teaspoons bleach in a quart of water.

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