BRICKELL KEY – A South Florida community is trying to be proactive in keeping people safe from the COVID-19 pandemic, but instead, residents are complaining that what's being done is toxic and causing more harm than good.
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In a statement to Local 10, Diversey said that Virex Plus is a disinfectant designed for cleaning hard surfaces.
"Diversey does not recommend Virex
Plus to be used on porous concrete or grass."
Signs tell residents that the Baywalk is closed for
sanitation from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., but some residents told
Local 10 that it can remain closed as late as 1 p.m., after
which they still complained of the smell of the spray.
While Virex Plus is listed on what the EPA calls it's N-List
of disinfectants for the virus that causes COVID-19, an EPA
spokesperson said the products need to be used as directed,
and that EPA and CDC guidance says typically only routine
cleaning is needed for outdoor areas.
In addition, the Florida Poison Information Center in Miami
told Local 10 that the disinfectancts in this product's
class are designed for industrial cleaning, not residential
uses. They also said there is no scientific basis yet for
spraying common areas to combat coronavirus infection, and
that exposure to a high enough concentration can cause eye
irritation, skin blistering, stomach pain and vomiting.
As for Priscilla's dog Astro, "He had to be hospitalized,"
she said. "Diagnosed with gastritis."
Astro's vet told Local 10 it happened after he consumed
grass sprayed with Virex, and that the dog may have suffered
permanent internal damage.
Priscilla said despite raising these concerns with the
association, the spraying continues.
"They are wasting our financial resources," she said
In a statement sent to Local 10 News, the Brickell Key
Master Association said, in part, “BKMA has not used Virex
Plus since April 10. Virex Plus became unavailable because
of consumer demand, so BKMA then switched to using diluted,
disinfectant Clorox approved for indoor and outdoor use.”
According to the association, residents have been provided
with email announcements that includes, “the information
they need to choose whether they wish to visit the affected
areas.”
The statement concludes, “The Master Association will
continue to handle the Baywalk Sanitation Program with
approved products and according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. All residents, including dog owners, should
make personal decisions about whether they wish to use any
of the island’s specific amenities in light of the cleaning
programs in place.”