Buzz
The Centers for Disease Control has shared alarming findings: Reports to poison control centers rose significantly during the first three months of 2020 compared to the previous year.
Data from the National Poison Data System (NPDS) reveals a 20.4% surge in calls related to cleaning product exposures and a 16.4% rise in cases involving disinfectants.
Starting in March, daily inquiries to poison control centers saw a sharp uptick, with bleach-related concerns dominating cleaner exposures, while non-alcohol disinfectants and hand sanitizers were the primary culprits for disinfectant-related calls.
The NPDS cannot establish a direct correlation between the surge in hotline calls and the coronavirus based on the data it gathers. However, the timing of the increase suggests that recent health concerns might have played a role.
A concerning incident highlighted in the report involved a woman who soaked her produce in a sink filled with a combination of bleach, vinegar, and hot water. She was rushed to the emergency room due to severe upper-respiratory problems caused by inhaling the toxic fumes.
This leads us to a crucial reminder: No matter how much you feel the urge to sanitize everything around you, avoid using cleaning products on fruits and vegetables.
To summarize:
Limit the use of hard-surface cleaners to surfaces only—never apply them to food or your skin.
Use skin-safe products exclusively on your skin—avoid using them on food or surfaces.
Never mix cleaning agents. At best, it won’t enhance cleaning effectiveness; at worst, it could lead to poisoning.
For those who feel the need to sanitize their groceries after shopping (even though it’s often unnecessary), what’s the most effective way to clean fruits and vegetables? Is a quick rinse—my go-to approach—sufficient?
I consulted Schaffner for his expert advice on how to properly clean fresh produce.
According to him, all you need is cold water to effectively clean your fruits and vegetables.
For produce with firm skins, a brush can be used. Schaffner emphasized that rinsing should occur just before consumption, as storing freshly rinsed items in the fridge increases the risk of mold.
“I strongly advise against using soap or bleach for washing,” he stated.
What about the idea of using a vinegar-and-water solution to wash produce? Schaffner noted there’s little evidence to prove it enhances cleanliness. “I recommend saving vinegar for making salad dressings instead,” he added.
There’s no need to invest in expensive produce washes found in stores. Schaffner pointed out that many of these products lack thorough testing for bacterial effectiveness, not to mention their impact on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If it brings you peace of mind and fits your budget,
“You could use these products,” Schaffner mentioned. “[But] I believe that money would be better used purchasing additional fresh fruits and vegetables.”
