Household Disinfectant Products Found Effective Against COVID-19

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that common household disinfectant products are safe and can effectively kill the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, on surfaces.

The EPA announced on July 6, 2020, it has updated the entries for 2 products on List N to show they have now been tested directly against SARS-CoV-2.

Last week, the EPA approved 2 products, Lysol Disinfectant Spray (EPA Reg No. 777-99) and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist (EPA Reg No. 777-127), based on laboratory testing that shows the products are effective against SARS-CoV-2.

These are the first List N products for which the agency has reviewed laboratory testing data and approved label claims against SARS-CoV-2. 

“EPA is committed to identifying new tools and providing accurate and up-to-date information to help the American public protect themselves and their families from the novel coronavirus,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, in a press statement. 

“EPA's review of products tested against this virus marks an important milestone in the US government’s approach to fighting the spread of COVID-19."

Before pesticide products can legally make claims that they can kill a particular pathogen, such as SARS-CoV-2, the claim must be authorized by EPA based on a review of data. 

Because novel viruses are typically not immediately available for laboratory testing, EPA established guidelines for Emerging Viral Pathogens.

In January 2020, the agency activated this guidance for the first time in response to the SARS-CoV-2 public health emergency. 

The guidance allows product manufacturers to provide EPA with data, even in advance of an outbreak, that shows their products are effective against harder-to-kill viruses than SARS-CoV-2. 

Through this guidance and the agency’s review of newly registered products, EPA’s list of products that meet the agency’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2 (known as List N) includes more than 420 products. 

In many cases, the EPA was able to approve claims in as little as 14 days.

The EPA expects to approve such claims for additional List N products in the coming weeks. 

All products on EPA’s List N meet the agency’s criteria for effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. 

When using an EPA-registered disinfectant, follow the label directions for safe, effective use. 

Make sure to follow the contact time, which is the amount of time the surface should be visibly wet. 

Read the EPA’s infographic on how to use these products.

PrecisionVaccinations publishes COVID-19 pandemic news.