Original Title: Cabines de désinfection dans le contexte de la pandémie de la COVID-19

Authors' objectives: Evidence synthesis of available literature review on the efficacy, safety, and fit of using disinfection chambers as a preventive measure for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to inform decision making.

Authors' results and conclusions: Disinfection procedure through booth is not effective in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2- and could be harmful for the following reasons: Spraying a disinfectant on the outside of the body does not kill the virus inside an infected person's body.The disinfectants sprayed in these booths are intended for use on surfaces, not on living tissues. When they come into contact with human tissue or are used outside the manufacturer's recommendations, they can become toxic. In addition, spraying and repeated passage through the booths significantly increases the exposure time and the risk of absorption and inhalation of these chemical agents. These disinfectants can react with mucous membranes causing damage and/or enter the bloodstream and affect distant organs The few disinfectants suitable for porous materials (textile) such as quaternary ammoniums or hydrogen peroxide have special use conditions. The use of quaternary ammoniums requires a five to ten-minutesoak to deactivate the SARS-CoV-2. As for hydrogen peroxide, it is used for porous surfaces in the form of vapor generated by a specific device. WHO and ECDC recommend that cleaning and disinfection of textiles shouldbe carried out using hot water and detergent at a temperature of 60-90°C, supplemented by complete drying in the sun.The flammable nature of disinfectants increases the risk of fire inside the cabin.

Authors' recommendations: Spraying disinfectants on the human body in booths is not effective and can be toxic. Disinfectants sprayed in these booths are intended for use on surfaces, not on living tissue and they can become toxic when they are used outside the recommendations of manufacturers. In addition, spraying a disinfectant on the outside of the body does not kill the virus inside an infected person's body. On the other hand, going through a disinfection tunnel may give individuals a false sense of security, thus increasing the risk of neglecting other effective measures like social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing protective masks.It is therefore recommended to prohibit the use of disinfection tunnels in all common structures and to increase awareness of the hygiene measures already mentioned. It is recalled that, ethically, humans cannot be sprayed with potentially dangerous products.

Authors' methods: A systematic literature review on Pubmed, Web of Science, INAHTA and GIN databases from inception to June 4, 2020. No language restriction was imposed. Submission to a multidisciplinary group of tunisian experts for accuracy verification and recommendations for decision makers.

Authors' identified further research: The search was expanded to include relevant scientific data on disinfectants and disinfection processes.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2020

URL for published report: http://www.ineas.tn/sites/default/files//cabines_de_desinfection_dans_le_cadre_de_la_pandemie_covid-19.fr_.pdf

Requestor: Ministry of Health

URL for additional information: http://www.ineas.tn/sites/default/files//disinfection_chambers_tunnels_in_the_context_of_covid-19_pandemic.eng_.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Rapid Review

Country: Tunisia

Organisation Name: National Authority for Assessment and Accreditation in Healthcare (INEAS)

Contact Address: 30 Rue Ibn Charaf, Tunis 1002, Tunisia

Contact Name: Mouna Jameleddine

Contact Email: monajameleddine@gmail.com