A regional airline in Zambia made cabin crew wear an unproven ‘Virus Buster’ lapel patch claiming the devices contained air purifying technology that would protect flight attendants from catching COVID-19. The pseudo-science claims made by the manufacturers have been roundly criticised by experts who caution the devices could be potentially dangerous and are simply a sham.
Mahogany Air issued the devices to cabin crew in the last week, claiming they were an “added layer of protection from the Corona Virus,” alongside widely accepted forms of scientifically proven protection such as face masks and shields, disposable gloves and frequent hand washing.
“The patch is an air-purifying virus buster technology that purifies the air around any passenger or crew member wearing it,” the airline boasted in a post on its Facebook page. The post and claims about the patch have since been deleted.
Similar products have been banned because there is no proof they can help protect against infection. Many of these products also contain chlorine dioxide – a highly corrosive substance that can cause severe respiratory and eye irritation.
In April, the US Food and Drug Administration said products containing chlorine dioxide had not been proven to be safe and effective for warding off COVID-19.
Local media reported, incorrectly, that major airlines including the likes of Emirates were also using the Virus Buster patch.
