Health hazards of ethanol vapour
There have been a lot of myths and rumours about the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) to such a degree, that it appears we are also fighting a misinformation pandemic.
Some of these rumours may cause serious harm to human health. Since people are prone to adopt misinformation in times of crisis, hence it is important to debunk these myths using credible scientific information before further damage is caused.
A recent report has popped up in our media which suggested that up to 30% ethanol (or 0.24 million mg/L), when mixed in hot water, can be inhaled as a treatment for COVID-19. As a Doctor, this was something alarming to me. Ethanol vapour is known for its toxic properties, including but not limited to possible damage to the central nervous system, potential risk of causing cancer, risk of developing fatty liver disease, as well as probable mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, and developmental toxicity.
Effects of ethanol vapour on human health have been studied strenuously for the better part of the 1970s to 1990s due to its application as a fuel additive as well as to assess effects of ethanol fumes on humans due to accidental exposure while using hand sanitizer. Some of these findings are highlighted below.
Cancer: Even though there has been no evidence of carcinogenicity (ability to cause cancer) attributed to ethanol as yet, multiple studies have shown that alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer to the exposed tissues of the human body (especially lungs in case of inhalation). This risk increases even more for cigarette smokers.
Central nervous system issues: A study showed that if inhaled at 10 mg/L, ethanol can cause depression of the central nervous system on rats. This study further states that ethanol inhalation by rats up to 94 mg/L can cause death.
Mucosal irritation: A study in humans showed that if ethanol vapour was inhaled at 10 to 20 mg/L for 5 to 10 mins, sharp pain in the eyes and nose accompanied by coughing occurred. Therefore it is safe to assume that adverse effects will definitely occur at levels as high as 30% ethanol.
Liver disease: Studies on rats have revealed that when exposed to ethanol at a certain level (28,224 min-mg/L) it caused fatty liver. Another study showed liver triglyceride to increase when rats are exposed to ethanol exposure. The prescribed level of ethanol in the myth circulating around is at least 1000 times higher and consequently extremely harmful.
It is also worth noting that after lungs have been infected by the virus, ethanol inhalation will not have any effect on it. Viruses multiply in a process that requires them to infect a cell, enter it and then use the cell machinery to multiply. Therefore, once a virus has entered the body and its cells, the ethanol vapour inhaled will not be able to interact or even reach the viruses to destroy their outermost lipid bilayer membrane. So it is crucial to understand that ethanol should ONLY be used for external disinfection of your hands or objects of daily use but never consumed internally. Stay informed, stay safe.
This article was written by Dr. Tanvir Hayder from the Business and Clinical Development Team at Renata Limited. For any queries please email : lavin9299@gmail.com.
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