The podcast discusses various misconceptions about using disinfectants to cure COVID-19. Two cases are presented: a 35-year-old man (CB) who drank 91% rubbing alcohol and a 40-year-old man (AC) who swallowed industrial-strength bleach, both thinking it would cure them of the virus. However, both ended up in the emergency room with severe injuries.
The podcast explains that rubbing alcohol and bleach are effective surface disinfectants but not when ingested. The body breaks down these substances, rendering them ineffective against the virus. In fact, ingesting these substances can cause harm, including organ damage and even death.
Other misconceptions discussed include:
* Drinking 60% liquor (ethanol) will not cure COVID-19, and inhaling it can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome.
* Methanol, a type of industrial alcohol, can cause blindness and acidemia when ingested.
* Garlic, ginger, and essential oils may have antimicrobial properties, but they are not effective in treating COVID-19 and can cause harm when ingested.
* Vitamin C has limited evidence for its effectiveness against cold and flu, and excessive intake can be harmful.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of following proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It also stresses the need to seek medical attention if symptoms persist, rather than relying on unproven remedies.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. CB, a 35-year-old man, was admitted to the emergency room after drinking a bottle of 91% rubbing alcohol in an attempt to disinfect himself from the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
2. Rubbing alcohol is also known as isopropyl alcohol.
3. The name isopropyl alcohol comes from the words "iso" meaning equal, "propyl" from propan, and "alcohol" meaning a chemical moiety of 1 oxygen bound to 1 hydrogen.
4. Isopropyl alcohol has 3 carbons, which makes it an oil, but the alcohol group interacts with water.
5. Alcohols disinfect by disturbing proteins, including those on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
6. 70% rubbing alcohol is a better disinfectant on surfaces than 91%, as the extra water helps target proteins.
7. Drinking rubbing alcohol will not disinfect viruses inside the body, as it is broken down by the liver into acetone.
8. Acetone is a disinfectant, but it is not concentrated enough to fight viruses in the lungs when ingested.
9. The liver metabolizes alcohols, including isopropyl alcohol, using an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase.
10. Drinking 60% liquor, such as vodka or rum, will not cure COVID-19, as the ethanol is broken down by the liver into acetaldehyde, which is not a disinfectant.
11. Methanol is a poison that can cause blindness and death when ingested.
12. Industrial-strength bleach is not suitable for human consumption and can cause caustic burn injuries.
13. Household bleach is a mixture of sodium hypochlorite and water, which interacts to form a balanced state called equilibrium.
14. Bleach can kill bacteria and viruses, but it also kills human cells by stripping off their fat layers and neutralizing proteins.
15. Eating garlic may have some antimicrobial properties, but it will not cure COVID-19, as it is broken down in the body.
16. Ginger has not been proven to cure COVID-19, and traditional Chinese medicine has not been effective in treating the virus.
17. Essential oils may have some antimicrobial properties, but their effectiveness and safety in treating COVID-19 are unknown.
18. Vitamin C has not been proven to cure COVID-19, and excessive intake can be harmful.
19. Washing hands with soap and water is effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
20. Seeking medical attention if symptoms persist is crucial in treating COVID-19.