Poisons experts are used to calls about accidental ingestion of bleach, but now they’re seeing a rise in queries about its use as a COVID-19 cure.

The NSW Poisons Information Centre says its 24-hour hotline has been receiving an increasing numbers of calls asking whether it’s safe to nebulise hydrogen peroxide, gargle antiseptics or bathe in bleach to prevent or treat coronavirus.

The centre’s medical director, toxicologist Associate Professor Darren Roberts, and the acting department head, Nicole Wright, say they’re “concerned” about the rise in requests for information on the “unproven” remedies.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen an increasing number of people calling us about home remedies to prevent or cure COVID-19, particularly during an outbreak,” they wrote in a Conversation piece.