Q: Does spraying people with disinfectant, or having people go through disinfectant tunnels, walkways, or chambers, lower the spread of COVID-19?

: No. The FDA does not recommend spraying humans with aerosolized disinfectant. At this time, there is a lack of data to demonstrate that sanitation tunnels are effective in reducing the spread of or in treating COVID-19.

Chemicals used in sanitation tunnels can irritate the skin, eyes, or airways and cause other health issues.

Hand sanitizers are only for use on the hands and are not to be used over larger body surfaces, ingested, inhaled, or injected. Given serious safety concerns and the lack of data to demonstrate that sanitation tunnels are effective in reducing the spread of or in treating COVID-19, the FDA strongly discourages the use or development of sanitation tunnels at this time, as described in this February 2022 guidance titled “COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Policy on COVID-19-Related Sanitation Tunnels.”

Surface disinfectants or sprays should not be used on humans or animals. They are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces (materials that do not absorb liquids easily). CDC provides information regarding disinfectant practices for surfaces. CDC states you should never eat, drink, breathe or inject disinfectants into your body or apply directly to your skin as they can cause serious harm.