EXPLAINED: Can industrial oxygen be behind the outbreak of black fungus?
The cases of black fungus are rising in the country with a total of 11,000 cases being reported till now. The recent surge of black fungus infection is seen in people who have either recovered or are recovering from COVID-19. Doctors are trying to find out the potential cause behind the spread of this deadly infection.
Common factors responsible for black fungus
Overuse of steroids, hospitalisation for a long time, use of oxygen therapy and comorbidities like diabetes have been identified as some of the main factors behind the black fungus infection.
Industrial oxygen
There have been several discussions and debates on the reasons behind the increasing number of black fungus cases in the country. One thing that is being debated right now is whether unhygienic delivery of oxygen to the patients can be a potential cause?
As per doctors from Mumbai, the use of industrial oxygen for treatment is another reason for the outbreak. Experts say that there is a big difference in the making of medical and industrial oxygen.
The acute shortage of oxygen during the second wave of COVID-19 urged the doctors and medical staff to resort to industrial oxygen to meet the daily requirements. Industrial oxygen is not the as same as medical oxygen, which is why a surge in the number of black fungus cases is being observed.
The difference between medical and industrial oxygen
When medical oxygen is made, it is filtered at many levels and various measures are taken to keep the fungus away. These steps are not performed while producing industrial oxygen.
Other factors
Non-sterile water used in humidifiers, unsterilised equipment and non-medical oxygen cylinders also play a role in the spread.
Industrial oxygen is prone to leaks and has to be transported on trucks and vans. Thus, the hygiene of the cylinders could have been compromised.
Experts also add that cannulas and oxygen masks used for patients must be discarded.