Sanitation Tunnels, as the name implies, are tunnels where a spray mist of antiseptic or disinfectant can be sprayed onto humans or animals. These tunnels, according to the FDA, were first employed in China and are being used in countries outside the United States to treat or prevent the spread of COVID‑19.
The FDA further indicates that there is no evidence these tunnels have any benefit for their intended use (treatment or prevention of the spread of the virus) and can, in fact, be dangerous causing local skin irritation, eye irritation, and (most significantly) the mist can be inhaled, causing dangerous airway events.
In addition, the FDA points out that “Sanitation tunnels are new drugs for which approved applications are required for marketing. There is no evident basis under the FD&C Act under which sanitation tunnels can be legally marketed without an approved application.” Surface disinfectants are to be used on hard, non-porous surfaces. The Agency notes that there have even been problems with excessive use of hand sanitizers causing adverse events from the fumes. Thus, use of a mist disinfectant, which could be inhaled, could certainly be associated with dangerous adverse events.
The newly issued FDA guidance titled COVID‑19 Public Health Emergency: Policy on COVID‑19‑Related Sanitation Tunnels can be found here.
