Photo/Illutration An “anti-infection” machine sprays disinfectant at the entrance of Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo in November. (Pool)

Reporters, athletes and spectators stood in front of an antiseptic-spray machine as an odorless mist softly stroked their faces and hands--and possibly poisoned their bodies.

The push-button equipment was set up at the entrance of Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo in November, when an international gymnastics event was held.

Although the spray, released from four points, was intended to kill the novel coronavirus, it may have done more harm than good.

“Chemicals that are effective for viruses may also have an impact on people’s bodies,” said Itsuko Horiguchi, a professor of risk communication and public health at Tokyo University of Science. “Mist in the atmosphere could result in people ingesting chemicals without eliminating the dangers.”

The health ministry and the World Health Organization have also recommended against the spraying measure, saying it does little to eliminate the novel coronavirus.

But municipalities and restaurant operators in Japan have continued introducing antiseptic-spraying machines during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Japan Gymnastics Association said the spraying machine was used at Yoyogi because it could simultaneously measure body temperatures and sanitize hands and fingers, which were mandatory for visitors.

The gymnastics event was considered a test of whether the Tokyo Olympics can be held this summer. The sprayer was introduced as part of strict anti-infection measures taken at the site.

The association admitted it knew the WHO did not recommend the use of the machine, and it did not ask athletes for consent nor consult with health experts. But it said the supplier insisted the product was “safe and would have no effects on health.”

So far, no health complaints have been reported from among the 90 gymnasts of the four participating nations.

However, an association official, citing scientists’ opinions and verification results, said it will stop using such spraying equipment, and that “our findings will be shared with other sports’ organizations.”

Even during the gymnastics event, some social media users objected to the use of the machine.

“The WHO says spraying mist is not recognized as an anti-infection means and that it is hazardous to human bodies,” one user posted.

DANGEROUS, NOT EFFECTIVE

The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan said some individuals have suffered from health issues after exposure to mist from sprayers and other devices.

A woman in her 20s said she “received a spray from a disinfectant bottle labeled ‘hypochlorous acid’ at a hair salon and developed itching and rashes,” according to the center.

Since spring last year, the health ministry has “not recommended” spraying mist as an anti-virus measure, pointing to the possibility of chemicals being inhaled or becoming attached to eyes and skin.

The ministry said no safe effective agents or methods to spray antiseptic mist have been confirmed from a scientific perspective.

In addition, the ministry says the chlorine dioxide solution used at the gymnastics event has no confirmed anti-infection effects.

It also said it has not approved any hypochlorous acid product as spray-type disinfectants.”

“Cleaning handrails and doorknobs with antiseptic-soaked cloth is important to prevent contact-based infections,” a ministry official said. “Releasing agents in the air will not help to stop the spread of infections.”

CLUTCHING AT STRAWS

Although the safety and effectiveness of spray devices are in doubt, their use continues to increase in Japan as infections keep spreading around the nation.

“Behind the trend is that businesses and organizations are clutching at straws,” professor Horiguchi said.

She said one company has sought her advice about using the sprays.

“Those considering introducing new equipment should seek opinions from industrial physicians because they can serve as medical advisers,” she said. “They should also ask suppliers if their products are used at medical centers with a higher infection risk (to decide on their performance).”

(This article was written by Yusuke Saito and Shiro Yamaguchi.)

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