Anti-Covid-19 Lanyard Doesn’t Kill Coronaviruses, But S’pore Carousell Buyers Still Want Them

TOAMIT’s Anti-Covid-19 Lanyard May Even Irritate Eyes & Burn Skin

Everyone is scrambling to defend themselves against Covid-19, and for good reason. Community spread has been a large concern, and our government announced stringent measures to curb them on Friday (3 Apr).

But some may believe they have found protection against the coronavirus in the form of an “anti-viral” amulet.

Enter TOAMIT’s Virus Shut Out. The latest miracle item to grace online marketplaces, with many listings on platforms like Carousell, Lazada, Qoo10 and the like.

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According to Lianhe Wanbao, many customers have flocked to buy this product due to claims of being “Made in Japan”.

With Japan being renowned for manufacturing high quality products, Virus Shut Out’s other properties also add to its appeal, making it a hot commodity.

But how valid are its product propositions, really?

Lanyard supposedly protects against viruses with an “invisible barrier”

Virus Shut Out is touted as an “anti-viral and anti-bacterial” lanyard, as stated by product descriptions online.

It works by giving off chlorine dioxide, that kills germs and viruses in the surrounding air. Donning the product supposedly creates a “barrier against germs and viruses”.

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The product description even assures customers of its safety and quality, simply because it is “Made in Japan”.

To use, customers are supposed to wear it around their necks with the issued lanyard. Each piece lasts for an estimated 30 days.

No evidence to suggest anti-Covid-19 powers

With fear running rampant during this pandemic, some buyers may have bought into the promise for Virus Shut Out’s anti-viral properties to ward off the coronavirus.

However, virologist and immunologist Dr Ariane Davison told Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) that the product is ineffective against Covid-19.

As the product is worn around the neck, it cannot defend the nose and mouth, which are key entrances for the coronavirus.

Active ingredient chlorine dioxide is also highly corrosive. This means bringing the product closer to the face might cause respiratory and eye irritation, as well as skin burns.

Fault may lie with sellers for false advertising

While people might dub this a scam, it is important to note that nowhere in the product description was it mentioned that Virus Shut Out was effective against Covid-19.

Some even mention that the product “does not replace basic hygiene measures”.

Carousell description of TOAMIT’s Virus Shut Out
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It is probable that customers may have made incorrect assumptions in the midst of all this panic.

Some sellers might also have taken advantage of the urgency of protection, and falsely advertised the product to boost sales.

Consumers should keep their wits about them

At the end of the day, we shouldn’t let panic cloud our judgement.

While sellers shouldn’t falsely advertise anything in the first place, we should do our own research as customers before coming to any conclusions about miracle anti-coronavirus products.

Let’s remain vigilant about spending our money on “essential supplies” only. Fancy a sofa from IKEA perhaps?

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Featured image adapted from Carousell.