Coronavirus (COVID-19): What could be the environmental effects of disinfectant use in the pandemic?

While the pressure of factors such as global warming and climate change, overpopulation growth, uncontrolled industrialization, and unplanned urbanization on environmental pollution is increasing, the relationship between humans and their environment has become more valuable than ever due to the new type of coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic surrounding the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the wide use of disinfectants (alcohol, soap, cologne, chlorinated compounds, antibacterial agents, etc.) to reduce the spread of the virus in homes and public spaces. In particular, more chemical compounds are used in public places than they should be in order to control the epidemic in many parts of the world. However, with this practice, human health, biological diversity and water resources can be adversely affected. Within the scope of COVID-19 measures, chemicals are directly mixed with rivers and seas through applications such as washing the streets and streets in cities with chemicals, spraying open and closed areas, along with the use of chemicals for personal cleaning at homes, from soil to groundwater, from sewage systems to treatment facilities, rainwater collection channels. In addition, due to the lethal, toxic, injurious and irritating properties of disinfectant chemicals used for cleaning and hygiene purposes, it has been determined that poisoning incidents due to disinfectants have increased during the COVID-19 process. According to the concept of "One Health", human health is linked to the environment and animal health. Therefore, the possible effects of chemicals used for cleaning and hygiene purposes should be evaluated in an integrated manner. This article explores the chemicals effective in neutralizing the virus and their possible environmental effects.