A compound found in the boreal woods of Finland is being developed into antiviral products to help us with the coronavirus.
Some natural compounds discovered in the boreal forests of Finland are being developed into products to help combat both the current coronavirus pandemic and future pandemics. Business Finland is funding a Research-to-Business project to commercialize the research results.
The boreal forests of Finland contain compounds that can fight coronavirus.
How do these products fight coronavirus? They can be used to disinfect surfaces, as well as used on the face and hands, when antiviral properties are needed. So, surfaces can be sanitized, and what you touch with your hands and then what your hands touch on your face can potentially neutralize any viruses you come in contact with.
Why is this important when we already have many disinfectant products that are available? Because many currently available disinfection products:
- Are tough on our skin
- Affect air quality negatively in our homes and workplaces
- Are associated with decreased health over the long-term
Those of us who use disinfectants on a regular basis know how many of them can lead to dry, chapped, flaky, irritated skin. The goal of these products from the woods, is to disinfect while hydrating skin on the hands and face.
Poor indoor air quality from disinfectants has been shown to increase problems related to asthma in children. In the U.S., researchers estimate that 5% of childhood cancer and 30% of childhood asthma are related to chemical exposures. One of the goals, in producing these products developed with antivirals from the woods, is to not compromise air quality.
Harsh disinfectants can increase the risk of COPD.
Some long-term studies indicate that disinfectants with glutaraldehyde, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) are associated with an increased risk of COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) of between 24% and 32%. COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. QUATs have also been shown to possibly cause fertility issues in men. One of the goals in producing these products from the woods, is to avoid the above problems.
These products are in the process of being commercialized, and all the information on what they can do and any problems they may have is not yet available. But hopefully they will offer a safe alternative to some of what is on the market.
Like these compounds researchers have discovered to fight coronavirus, researchers are discovering other compounds in the woods that help us in different ways.
While this blog may seem to stray from the woods, you should not. Take time to get out for a leisurely walk in the woods. It is another way to stay healthy. It can boost your immune system and give you peace of mind. It’s called forest bathing. Check it out.
Don’t let Covid stop you from getting out in the woods to relax and find some peace and quiet.
