A quick message on #COVID19, disinfectants and why we're not covering that story in our typical format. We're using questions from our Transparency Project, which you can learn more about here: https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/transparency-project/introducing-transparency-project
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What happened?

In a news briefing on April 23, President Trump suggested that injecting disinfectants or infusing UV light into the body might fight the coronavirus.
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Why is Science News not covering the story?

These are musings from the president and are not therapies under investigation by scientists or doctors. Disinfectants are toxic to people.
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Why is Science News not covering the story? (continued)

The manufacturer of Lysol said in a statement that “under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body.” Ultraviolet light can seriously damage DNA, leading to cancer.
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Is there anything else you want people to know?

Science News aims to keep readers up-to-date on the latest scientific findings, including information on how to assess their credibility.
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Is there anything else you want people to know? (continued)

Our choice not to cover this is also motivated by a desire not to propagate misinformation, no matter the source.
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Is there anything else you want people to know? (continued)

If you or someone you know ingests disinfectants, please contact your local poison control center immediately.
1-800-222-1222
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