Product found in insect repellent 'can kill coronavirus', UK study finds

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Dubai - British scientists are providing their initial findings to allow other experts to conduct further research.

By Web report

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Published: Thu 27 Aug 2020, 7:55 PM

A product in insect repellent can kill the strain of coronavirus that causes Covid-19, a new study in the UK has reportedly shown.
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) scientists are providing their initial findings to allow other experts to conduct further research, Sky News has reported.
The media giant revealed in April that Britain's armed forces have been given an insect repellent that contains a product called Citriodiol because it was believed it might offer a new layer of protection against Covid-19.
Citriodiol is already understood to destroy other types of coronavirus.
It is an ingredient in Mosi-guard and other 'bug sprays'. Early findings claimed Mosi-guard's natural spray started to attack the coronavirus in just one minute. 
Defence scientists therefore launched a study to ascertain whether it would provide a protective layer against Covid-19, with those results being released on Wednesday.
The firm that develops Citriodiol also insisted it could offer protection against Covid-19.
Jacqueline Watson, managing director of Citrefine International Ltd, said in April she would like the government to back a proper testing programme.
The mosquito spray is being deployed by the military in tandem with face masks, hand washing and other measures in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Citriodiol is made from oil from the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus citriodora tree.
It is found in the insect repellent Mosi-guard and other brands.
Sky News says the only insect repellent with Citriodiol and not containing Deet is regarded as having the potential of any kind of protection against the virus.


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