The Department of Public Health has received reports people are using diluted chlorine dioxide to “treat” COVID-19.  Chlorine dioxide is a bleach-like cleaning agent and, if ingested, can have severe, adverse health effects, including death.

Chlorine dioxide products have not been shown to be safe and effective for any use, including treatment of COVID-19. Products are being marketed under various names: MSS, Miracle Mineral Solution, Master Mineral Solution, Water Purification Solution, CDS, Aqueous Chlorine Dioxide and others.

Ingesting chlorine dioxide products can lead to:

• Respiratory failure
• Potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythms
• Life-threatening low blood pressure caused by dehydration
• Acute liver failure
• Low blood cell counts
• Severe vomiting
• Severe diarrhea

Chlorine dioxide are the active ingredients in disinfectants and have additional industrial uses. They are not meant to be swallowed by people.

For more information or if you or someone you know has ingested chlorine dioxide, call the Georgia Poison Center Hotline: 1-800-222-1222