Fact check: use an antiseptic solution in a diffuser

Lately there has been a lot about the use of an antiseptic solution to be mixed withdiffuser. A video tutorial claiming steam diffuser those produced from antiseptic solutions can kill COVID-19. Even though the liquid is only for external use and is dangerous if inhaled and hits the lungs through the vapors produced diffuser.

Can antiseptic solution be used for the mixturediffuser?

Diffuser is a tool to convert essential oil liquids into steam and pass it into the air. The oil particles that have been broken down into steam will spread evenly into the room air, making the surrounding air comfortable and easy to breathe.

Steam effect diffuser on the body varies depending on the mixture when put in diffuser. Each type of essential oil claims to have its own use. Generally, the steam produced from these essential oils will have a relaxing and calming effect.

In the video tutorial that goes viral, the liquid is put in diffuser replaced with liquid antiseptic. The video maker mixes bottled mineral water with the antiseptic liquid then shakes it and puts it into the appliance diffuser.

These tutorials are not recommended to be copied because they have not been proven to be of use and instead have potential harm to the body.

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Antiseptic fluids are not for diffuser

The antiseptic solution in almost all trademarks must have a warning label "for external use only". This is because the content in it is good if it is functioned properly but dangerous if it is misused.

The antiseptic solution shown in the video tutorial contains three main ingredients, namely pine oil, castor oil and chloroxylenol with a percentage of 4.8%.

Pine oil and castor oil tend to be safe. However, chloroxylenol has toxic properties. Its toxicity is very low for external use, but it can be dangerous if swallowed.

Journal National Library of Medicine The US mentions that one of the dangers of chloroxylenol is that it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.

This respiratory tract hazard can become a problem when an antiseptic containing chloroxylenol is administered diffuser and spread out into the air. Antiseptic liquid that comes out in the form of vapor from diffuser can be inhaled and carried to the lungs.

In the same journal, the study is entitled Pulmonary aspiration following Dettol poisoning: the scope for prevention outlines hazards with other risks. Antiseptic fluids (containing 4.9% chloroxylenol) ingested by the body can cause:

1. Decreased central nervous system.
2. Corrosion of the mucous membranes of the throat, larynx (part of the throat containing the vocal cords), and the digestive tract.

The study also emphasized the main risks of chloroxylenol poisoning, namely pulmonary aspiration that causes pneumonia, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and / or sudden cardiac arrest.

Use an antiseptic solution as appropriate

We recommend using essential oils for diffuser and use an antiseptic solution as appropriate. Antiseptic fluids effectively kill germs to keep the house and the outside clean.

Antiseptic fluids are usually used to kill germs on wounds, household items, and dirty laundry. The use of antiseptics must always pay attention to the instructions listed on the packaging.

In a pandemic like now, people are doing various ways to keep clean from germs and viruses. Many tutorials related to cleanliness are scattered on social media. In essence, look for information about coronavirus from trusted sources.