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CDC: Some people are drinking and inhaling cleaning products in attempt to fight coronavirus

Clorox bleach. Photo: Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images

The CDC released data on Friday from a survey commissioned to understand why more people have been calling poison control centers during the coronavirus pandemic.

What they found: Roughly 200 adults who responded to the survey in May said they intentionally inhaled disinfectants, washed food with bleach, or applied household cleaning products to bare skin to combat the virus — all of which are dangerous.

  • Fewer respondents reported drinking or gargling household cleaners and soapy water to fight COVID-19, or inhaling bleach and other cleaners.

Flashback: President Trump said in April that disinfectants may be used to treat coronavirus, which doctors quickly warned people against doing on social media. Trump later said that his comments had been sarcastic.

  • The survey did not address Trump's comments as a contributing factor.

Methodology: The opt-in online survey of 502 U.S. adults was conducted on May 4 by the Porter Novelli Public Services. The median age of respondents was 46 and 52% of respondents were women, while 63% were white. Respondents included all U.S. Census regions, with most from the South.

  • Survey responses were weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. demographics, but do not represent the U.S. population as a whole.

What's next: The CDC is collecting more data to understand some Americans' lack of knowledge when handling household cleaners, and plans to look more closely at demographics.

Go deeper: Poison Control sees spike in calls related to hand sanitizer exposure

Go deeper

Rashaan Ayesh
Sep 13, 2020 - Health

Pfizer preparing to distribute COVID vaccine by year-end, CEO says

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told CBS News' "Face the Nation" Sunday that his company will know whether its coronavirus vaccine is effective by the end of October and that it has already manufactured hundreds of thousands of doses in anticipation that the vaccine will receive FDA approval.

Why it matters: There has been a major push by the Trump administration to get a coronavirus vaccine to the public this fall, though it may only be available for certain high-risk groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already urged governors to have vaccine distribution centers ready by November.

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Caitlin Owens, author of Vitals
Sep 14, 2020 - Health

CDC: Kids can spread coronavirus to their households

Students at Weaverville Elementary School in Weaverville, California on Aug. 17, 2020. Photo: Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Children can and do transmit the coronavirus to members of their household, a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms.

Why it matters: As the coronavirus spreads through schools across the country, the people who live with exposed children — some of whom may be older or have preexisting conditions — are also at risk of catching the virus.

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Sam Baker
Sep 14, 2020 - Health

Gen Z says it's taking the pandemic seriously

Data: Harris; Chart: Axios Visuals

Members of Generation Z say they're taking the coronavirus seriously, trying to get others to do the same, and are willing to make short-term sacrifices in order to help safely resume some parts of pre-pandemic life, according to a Harris poll shared with Axios.

Why it matters: These findings are a stark contrast with the college-town outbreaks and scenes of crowded bars that have helped create a narrative of careless young people spreading the virus.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow