NANO mist spray is not meant to be used on humans, director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said, while warning that the disinfectant could cause irritation.

He said the Ministry of Health is concerned about its use following reports in the media questioning its safety and use on people.

“The Ministry of Health would like to emphasise that the disinfecting solution as mentioned above is for the purpose of surface disinfection and not meant to be used directly on humans,” he said in a statement.

“This is due to the fact that, contact with some of this solution may cause irritation to the eyes, skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal system,” he added.

Responding to news reports, he said the nano mist also does not replace the requirement for standard surface cleaning.

“Lately, this product has gained public attention in its use as a disinfecting tool to prevent transmission of Covid-19.

“Some members of the public believe this device can kill SARS-CoV-2 virus in air and surface,” he said.

“However, the effectiveness of this device is dependent on its dispersion ability, the disinfectant type used and its concentration, as well as the contact time between disinfectant and surface,” he added.

Noor Hisham said there are currently a few surface disinfectants that are effective against SARS-CoV-2 or the virus that causes Covid-19.

These include alcohol 70%-90%, hydrogen peroxide, thymol, quaternary ammonia, and chlorine-based solution.

He added that the list of recommended surface disinfectant against SARS-CoV-2 can be obtained from the US Environmental Protection Agency website, which is also an international reference for disinfectant.

The spray delivers nano size particles, which are widely used for various purposes including cosmetics, perfume, domestic and industrial use.

It is available in many forms and sizes, including spray guns and handheld spray.

News reports have highlighted that the disinfectant device was being used in shops, cars, and homes, for sanitisation. – September 21, 2021.