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What do we know about chlorine dioxide being a potential cure for COVID-19?

What do we know about chlorine dioxide being a potential cure for COVID-19?

This article was published on
December 15, 2020

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Chlorine dioxide is not a potential cure or treatment for COVID-19 and no studies currently support its use with any evidence. Chlorine dioxide is a bleaching agent that can cause serious and even life-threatening illnesses. Though several warnings about this chemical being used in alleged COVID-19 treatments have been issued, products continue being sold with the promise to combat the virus. Chlorine dioxide is not meant to be swallowed by people in any capacity, let alone in treating an illness.  These products often describe this chemical as a liquid with 28% sodium chlorite solution and instruct users to mix it with citric acid before drinking. When the acid is combined with the sodium chlorite solution, it activates the acid to become chlorine dioxide.

Chlorine dioxide is not a potential cure or treatment for COVID-19 and no studies currently support its use with any evidence. Chlorine dioxide is a bleaching agent that can cause serious and even life-threatening illnesses. Though several warnings about this chemical being used in alleged COVID-19 treatments have been issued, products continue being sold with the promise to combat the virus. Chlorine dioxide is not meant to be swallowed by people in any capacity, let alone in treating an illness.  These products often describe this chemical as a liquid with 28% sodium chlorite solution and instruct users to mix it with citric acid before drinking. When the acid is combined with the sodium chlorite solution, it activates the acid to become chlorine dioxide.

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What our experts say

Chlorine dioxide is not a potential cure or treatment for COVID-19 and no studies currently support its use with any evidence. Chlorine dioxide is a bleaching agent that can cause serious and even life-threatening illnesses. Though several warnings about this chemical being used in alleged COVID-19 treatments have been issued, products continue being sold with the promise to combat the virus. Chlorine dioxide is not meant to be swallowed by people in any capacity, let alone in treating an illness. 

These products often describe this chemical as a liquid with 28% sodium chlorite solution and instruct users to mix it with citric acid before drinking. When the acid is combined with the sodium chlorite solution, it activates the acid to become chlorine dioxide.

Chlorine dioxide is not a potential cure or treatment for COVID-19 and no studies currently support its use with any evidence. Chlorine dioxide is a bleaching agent that can cause serious and even life-threatening illnesses. Though several warnings about this chemical being used in alleged COVID-19 treatments have been issued, products continue being sold with the promise to combat the virus. Chlorine dioxide is not meant to be swallowed by people in any capacity, let alone in treating an illness. 

These products often describe this chemical as a liquid with 28% sodium chlorite solution and instruct users to mix it with citric acid before drinking. When the acid is combined with the sodium chlorite solution, it activates the acid to become chlorine dioxide.

Context and background

Chlorine dioxide is currently being sold in a line of products cold "Miracle Mineral Solution." The U.S. FDA has directly warned against the purchase or use of these products as potential treatment options for COVID-10. Additionally, the agency noted there is no evidence to support the use of this line of products as "they pose significant risks to patient health."

Chlorine dioxide is currently being sold in a line of products cold "Miracle Mineral Solution." The U.S. FDA has directly warned against the purchase or use of these products as potential treatment options for COVID-10. Additionally, the agency noted there is no evidence to support the use of this line of products as "they pose significant risks to patient health."

Resources

  1. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Warns Seller Marketing Dangerous Chlorine Dioxide Products that Claim to Treat or Prevent COVID-19 (U.S. FDA)
  2. Chlorine Dioxide and Chlorine Derivatives for the Prevention or Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review (RPMESP)
  1. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Warns Seller Marketing Dangerous Chlorine Dioxide Products that Claim to Treat or Prevent COVID-19 (U.S. FDA)
  2. Chlorine Dioxide and Chlorine Derivatives for the Prevention or Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review (RPMESP)

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