buyer, beware of sars in sales pitches - air purifier for asthma

Pills, herbs, air purifiers, and other products are being offered that implicitly or explicitly claim that they can help protect people from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS, this potentially deadly disease has killed more than 500 people around the world.
Infectious disease experts say the claim should be in doubt.
They point out that it is unlikely that any of these products will be specifically tested for SARS.
"We have not found any vitamins, herbs or other products that can prevent colds . "
David mucarter, associate professor of infectious diseases at Durham University, New Orleans.
"It is very doubtful that any of them can stop SARS.
"The public may now be particularly vulnerable to this kind of advertising.
A few months ago, recent concerns about the bioterrorist attacks led to a run on the hardware stores of tape and plastic sheets, which are still fresh in people's minds.
Almost daily reports of SARS deaths, combined with pictures of Asians wearing masks, have little effect on calming nervous nerves.
These concerns have exacerbated a recent series of SARS marketing. related goods.
The air purifier is a pill that promises to enhance the human immune system, and it promotes their ability to provide sterilization protection
A mask and rubber gloves called SARS survival gear are being promoted.
"There's a lot of hype," said the doctor.
John Senkowicz, vice president, Graduate School of Medical Education, Seton Hall University.
"I just hope these items don't give people a false sense of security.
The American Herbal Product Assn is aware of the possibility of false statements.
An industrial trade organization recently urged its member companies not to claim that dietary supplements can prevent SARS.
"We don't believe there are any dietary supplements that have been shown to prevent or treat SARS," the organization said in a statement . ".
But some marketers of other products did not flinch.
Stan Winberg, Los Angeles-
Based in Wein Products
Recently, the company said the SARS scare had increased sales of Mini Mate devices by 500%.
Original, 1. 5-ounce pager-
The device, the size of the neck, was developed to prevent allergies and asthma attacks, but after the SARS outbreak, the company began to promote the product's ability to create a "toxic particle forbidden zone" in front of the wearer's mouth, nose and eyes as a shield against disease.
As of last week, the company's website promoted the use of the device, while also noting that it could not guarantee 100% protection against virus or bacterial infections.
"People are trying to make me a robber baron or a profiteer," said Winberg . ".
"But profitability is still a matter for Americans.
"Even if air and personal space purifiers can eliminate all the viruses transmitted by air, they are still not enough to stop SARS," experts said.
The disease can easily spread from surfaces such as door handles, bathroom taps and other viruses that can last for several hours.
For example, passengers sitting next to SARS
According to the doctor, the infected person on the plane may not be infected with the disease, while the other person uses the same toilet faucet as the infected person
University of California, Los Angeles infectious disease expert Peter Katona
"I hardly believe any kind of air purifier will bring any real change," he said . ".
Instead, experts suggest more specific measures to prevent SARS.
First, travel to China, Singapore or other areas where the disease is transmitted should be avoided.
"I think the most important thing people can do is wash their hands regularly," Mushatt said . ".