Bolivians use chlorine dioxide against covid-19 despite risks 4:03
(CNN) - The Bolivian Chamber of Deputies approved on Wednesday a bill that exceptionally regulates the production, marketing, supply and consensual use of chlorine dioxide solution, as a preventive measure and as a treatment for patients diagnosed with coronavirus .
The project, approved in July by the Senate, includes modifications that provide that public and private laboratories, accredited and authorized by the competent body, will be able to elaborate the chlorine dioxide solution, “having to comply with the quality conditions and include the final product prospects that prove the composition, dosage, precautions and care when consuming this compound, ”according to the official statement from the Chamber. The Bolivian Legislative Assembly has a majority of the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) of former President Evo Morales. The legislators who promoted this project defend the use of this substance as an "alternative" to face the pandemic.
- Bolivia authorizes the use of chlorine dioxide, a toxic disinfectant, as a treatment against covid-19
Chlorine dioxide is mainly used to disinfect drinking water supplies and until now it has not been authorized for use in or on the human body.
The Ministry of Health pointed out that it is not an effective treatment against covid-19 and in July warned to prosecute those who promote treatments "for attacking the public health of the population."
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recommended avoiding the purchase or intake of products with chlorine dioxide as it lacks scientific evidence to support its safety or efficacy "and present considerable risks to the patient health ”. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) ruled in the same vein, which also warned of serious adverse effects.
Under the Constitution, the Executive Branch has 10 business days to decide whether to enact or veto the rule. Acting President Jeanine Áñez has so far not indicated what her decision will be.
Bolivia confirmed 85,141 cases of coronaviruses and 3,385 deaths as of Wednesday.