The environmental health group EcoWaste Coalition cautioned consumers not to fall for misleading online ads for products claiming to prevent COVID-19 infection.
The group urged the public to be critical of products that are promoted by online dealers as effective in eliminating pathogens, including the dreaded novel coronavirus.
The group made the warning after notifying the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through a letter e-mailed yesterday about the proliferation of virus blocker products in popular online shopping platforms.
“Our monitoring of online shopping sites over the weekend shows the unchecked marketing and promotion of disinfection or sterilization cards containing chlorine dioxide with misleading health claims,” said Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.
Also advertised as disinfection or sterilization cards, virus blockers that are said to be “made in Japan” are worn on the neck to repel or kill viruses, bacteria, fungi and others by releasing chlorine dioxide for 30 to 45 days.
Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency last March warned the public against false or misleading advertisements of anti-virus products, including disinfection cards, describing them “as lacking in objectivity and rationality, absent of any scientific grounds, and in possible violation of laws on mislabeling and health promotion.”
Our own FDA in May 2020 issued Advisory No. 2020-852 against “made in USA” SDS Blocker Anti-Virus and “made in Japan” Virus Shut Out, two disinfectant products that were found to make misleading health claims.
According to the FDA, “potential hazard may come from exposure to ingredients such as chlorine dioxide or chlorite,” warning that “exposure to these chemicals through inhalation and skin contact may cause irritation in the mouth, esophagus or stomach, shortness of breath and other respiratory problems.”
EcoWaste Coalition’s monitoring of online shopping sites revealed that more unregistered disinfection or sterilization cards are being sold online, including Anti-Bacterial Virus Shut Out, CL-40 Virus Blocker, Disinfection Powder Air Portable Card, Green+ One Virus Blocker, Guardian Air Sterilization Card, Hengai Virus Blocker Card, Jaysuing Space Sterilization Card, Nanoclo2, Padano Air Sterilization Card, Saratito Virus Blocker, Virus Blocker, Virus Blocker Disinfection Card, Virus Block Out, and Virus Down.
The group pointed to the products’ false or misleading claims as stated in their online advertisements.
One product boasted of effectively blocking “epidemic viruses.”
“This ID-like tool is simple enough to be worn at all times for prevention against viruses and bacteria,” touted another product.
“Neutralizes all known pathogens up to 99%; thus, stopping the spread of viruses, bacteria, and allergens,” another product claimed.
“Suitable for all ages including new born babies and pregnant women,” said one advertisement.
But another product warned “do not use this product for babies.” However, the same product has a photo of a baby wearing a sterilization card while playing.
“FDA International approved,” declared one advertisement (note: there is no such thing as “FDA International”).
To protect consumers against deceptive marketing and promotion of disinfection and sterilization cards, the EcoWaste Coalition requested the FDA to issue the necessary public health warning and to impose regulatory sanctions against erring parties.
