Coronavirus and finding ways to protect ourselves continues to rage on with some unexpected theories and products claiming to be the answer to the current pandemic. In the latest update, A product found in insect repellent can kill the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19, research by Britain’s defence laboratory has shown. How?
Scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) are sharing their preliminary findings so others are able to conduct further research, Sky News understands.
Citriodiol is already known to kill other types of coronavirus.
Defence scientists subsequently conducted research to see whether it would provide a protective layer against COVID-19, with those results being released on Wednesday.
The company that produces Citriodiol also believed it could offer protection against the novel coronavirus.
What is citrodiol?
Citriodiol is a naturally sourced active ingredient found in many insect repellents worldwide, said Citrefine International.
It continued: “It is produced from the distilled oil of Eucalyptus citriodora trees (also known as Corymbia citriodora) using an accelerated process that mimics what naturally occurs in the leaf, by converting the citronellal content into p-menthane-3,8-diol.
“Unlike other essential oil-based products, Citriodiol has passed the most rigorous safety and efficacy tests.
“It has met the highest standards, obtaining registrations from some of the world’s leading authorities.”
DON’T MISS
Germany coronavirus testing: Why is the UK not testing like Germany? [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus testing: What is Matt Hancock’s five pillar plan? [EXPLAINER]
Dentist during lockdown: Are dentists open? Can I see a dentist now? [ANALYSIS]
It is understood that Citriodiol has already been found to have killed other types of coronavirus.
Soldiers from Britain’s armed forces were sprayed with a repellent that contained the product, in a bid to see if it could offer an extra layer of protection against the virus with startling results.
Although the mosquito spray is not effective enough on its own, it could be used as an extra layer of protection, along with other preventative techniques.
Britain’s defence laboratory has decided to share their initial findings so further research can be conducted into its possible effects on Covid-19.
The full details of the study are expected to be released later today.
Despite the promising findings, experts have warned not to use any type of repellent and to avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
“Weaker Citriodiol spray solutions form a barrier on the skin and have been found to provide a barrier against variants of the SARS virus similar to that causing the current pandemic,” the Defence Secretary said.
He continued: “The MoD does not implement such measures without rigorous examination of their effectiveness and suitability.
“Following consultation with subject matter experts, including infectious disease consultants, pathology advisers, and public health experts, the Surgeon General advised that, albeit in lieu of conclusive research, Citriodiol would do no harm and should be used on a precautionary basis, as an additional layer of protection against exposure to COVID-19.”
Source: Read Full Article