The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has advised against spraying disinfectants on humans saying the chemicals can do both physical and psychological harm. Sources said that recently, many police personnel complained to the BMC's Health Department regarding the sanitising spray machines installed at police stations. After the complaints emerged, police personnel stopped using the machines.

According to the advisory, spraying chlorine on human beings can lead to irritation of the eyes and skin and potentially gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting. Inhalation of sodium hypochlorite can lead to irritation of mucous membranes to the nose, throat, respiratory tract and may also cause bronchospasm (difficulty in breathing).