DOH clarifies on air purifier

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Health has clarified that it is not endorsing wearable air purifiers, especially in warding off the coronavirus.

“The DOH clarifies that it is not endorsing the use of necklace air purifiers that claim to kill bacteria or viruses, or protect from COVID-19,” the agency says in a statement following a report that it approves the use of necklace air purifiers.

It said that while the device does not pose any harm on the wearer, there is, as of the moment, lack of evidence of its efficiency.

During DOH’s virtual presser earlier this week, DOH undersecretary and spokesperson Maria Singh-Vergeire said there is nothing wrong in wearing the device as it does not seem to show any harmful effect, unlike the big “smoking” air purifiers.

“Well, I have observed, tinitingnan ko sa mga ka-meeting ko na nagsusuot nito, wala naman akong nakikitang lumalabas na mga usok or anything so I don’t know really know how it works, pero sakali, as long as we are wearing our mask tapos wala namang mist na binibigay ang mga ganitong technology, and it is not going to cause harm, then wala naman pong masama dyan,” Vergeire said.

(Well, as I have observed on people I have meetings with who wear it, there is no smoke coming out of it… I don’t know how it works but as long as we are wearing our mask and the device does not emit any smoke, I don’t see anything wrong with it.)

Worn like a necklace, the portable air purifier supposedly emits negative ions that push pollutants away from an individual.

No less than President Rodrigo Duterte wears one.

But DOH emphasized that the device, if it does work, cannot replace minimum health standards, especially in the fight against the coronavirus. It is but another layer of protection.

“Mask wearing, handwashing and physical distancing remain to be our best protection,” the agency said.

It also reminded the public to follow accurate public health advice and guidance from reputable agencies like the DOH, the World Health Organization, and other reputable health institutions.

Vergeire has also reminded the public that DOH does not recommend the use of fogging or misting machines for general infection control in routine patient care areas, as it can cause harm, as well as aerosolization of the coronavirus.

“Meaning po, the virus can stay longer in the air if you use this kind of technology, ito pong misting and fogging,” Vergeire said.

WHO also said the routine application of disinfectants to environmental surfaces by spraying or fogging in indoor spaces, also known as fumigation or misting, is not recommended for COVID-19.

Vergeire reiterated:

“Ang pinaka-importante pa rin po… dapat po, gawin nalang natin yung minimum health standards – that we always use face masks, lagi pong nakasuot ang mask so that whatever mode of transmission na sinasabi… droplet… and sabi nila airborne daw kapag nasa enclosed spaces… kung ikaw ay naka-mask, you are protected and you are prevented from being infected,” she said.

(The most important thing is for us to continue observing minimum health standards like wearing of mask. Let us always wear a mask so that whatever mode of transmission… droplet… they’re saying it will be airborne if you are in enclosed spaces… if you are wearing a mask, you are protected and you are prevented from being infected.) — JMO (FREEMAN)