BREAKING: Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson has sparked outrage by endorsing the use of chlorine dioxide, a bleach-like chemical, as a treatment for serious health issues including cancer and autism. This controversial claim comes as he promotes a new book titled The War on Chlorine Dioxide: The Medicine that Could End Medicine by Dr. Pierre Kory, who previously lost his medical board certifications for promoting ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment.
Johnson’s endorsement of Kory’s theories has ignited immediate backlash from the medical community. Experts are warning that chlorine dioxide, primarily a disinfectant, is not safe for human consumption and can be toxic. Dr. Joe Schwarcz from McGill University stated, “At high concentrations, chlorine dioxide is not a cure for anything; it is a poison.”
The senator confirmed to ProPublica that he personally approved the endorsement blurb, stating, “After reading the entire book, yes, I provided and approved that blurb.” His comments come amid a troubling trend of misinformation regarding public health and safety.
Kory suggests that there is a global conspiracy involving public health officials and the pharmaceutical industry to suppress information about chlorine dioxide. He claims it could treat a wide range of ailments, from malaria to COVID-19. This assertion has drawn fierce criticism, as chlorine dioxide has no legitimate medical applications in humans.
Johnson’s endorsement marks another chapter in his history of promoting unverified health theories. During the COVID pandemic, he made baseless claims about athletes suffering severe reactions to vaccines. In a prior op-ed, he and Kory opposed legislation aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation among healthcare providers.
As this situation develops, the implications for public health and safety are profound. With misinformation spreading rapidly, experts are urging the public to rely on credible sources for health information. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has explicitly warned against the use of ivermectin for COVID-19, stating it is not authorized for such use in humans or animals.
The controversy surrounding Johnson’s latest endorsement raises serious questions about the accountability of public figures in spreading health-related misinformation. As the backlash grows, many are calling for a reevaluation of the impact such endorsements can have on public perception and health practices.
This developing story continues to unfold. Stay tuned for updates as officials respond to Johnson’s endorsement and its implications for public health.