Harvey.Wyche@f15.n11.z1.fidonet.org (Harvey Wyche) (07/12/90)
stem the tide of misinformation about AIDS. A recent news article in a
local newspaper reports that the EPA has issued warnings to at lease nine
manufacturers to stop running ads that promote their disinfectants as AIDS
virus killers.
Apparently, some ads indicated that disinfectant sprays, liquids, and
towelettes were capable of "inactivating" the AIDS virus on such common,
everyday items as telephones, toilet seats, and silverware. The EPA
declared such advertisements to be deceptive. That's a bit of an
understatement.
I think these ads were an attempt by some greedy, unethical heads of
corporations to further promote unfounded fear among the general public
about AIDS and then to try to capitalize on that fear. The EPA's warnings
should have been accompanied by fines and penalties. Or, perhaps, a series
of public service announcements (paid for by the manufacturers) aimed at
correcting the wrong that these ads might have done.
At least, the article went on to say that you needn't worry about
disinfecting surfaces that have been touched by someone with AIDS unless
you are cleaning up infected blood or semen. Even then, the EPA reports
that ordinary household detergent or bleach would be sufficient to do the
job.
Harvey...
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