Inexplicably Americans Are Using Household Cleaners to Prevent COVID-19 Infections

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Inexplicably Americans Are Using Household Cleaners to Prevent COVID-19 Infections

Jun 9, 2020, 06:44 AM by MSDC Staff

A non-scientific survey shows that a high percentage of respondents used household cleaners to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Despite warnings on the packaging and public health experts specifically warning against using them not as intended, a statistically significant percentage of Americans report misusing cleaners and disinfectants as COVID-19 protection.

The information comes from a May 4 online survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). More than a third of respondents reported using these products as protection from COVID-19. The most common misuses reported include washing food with bleach, using household disinfectant on skin, and ingesting household cleaners. Not shockingly, about 25% of those who answered the survey reported having an adverse health effect they believe was linked to disinfectant usage.

The survey was taken a few weeks after President Trump speculated aloud on the potential benefits of using disinfectant as a way to cure or prevent COVID-19.

While the survey was far from scientific, it does show that Americans are listening to news reports but maybe not public health reports.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.